Bidspirit auction | Michael Henry Birch ”Pan (Goat)”

Michael Henry Birch ”Pan (Goat)” Ojime Carving - Michael Henry Birch (British, 1926-2008). Carved ojime titled ”Pan (Goat), ” carved May - June 1996. Carved from a hippopotamus tooth, over 150 years old with the himotoshi lined in ebony. As commented on by Birch: ”I have chosen to carve a head of Pan - half man half goat. It was quite a challenge - probably one of the most difficult subjects I have every attempted - whether or not I have succeeded is something for others to judge. The material is hippo tooth, over 150 years old, and a beautiful specimen, quite small in fact. I used the center section to obtain the most translucent 'milky' quality and, if you hold the piece up to the edge of an opaque lampshade you will see what I mean. The slight discoloration on the right horn is simply a characteristic vein in this kind of material and not a fracture. I believe that the emphasises [sic] the organic origin of the material and thereby makes it all the more interesting.” Provenance: Commission from Michael Henry Birch, June 19, 1996. Height: 1 in x width: 3/4 in x depth: 1 in. Condition: There are no breaks, chips, or losses. There is a small accretion to the top of the head.