Featured Netsuke ?

Found this little guy in a flea market bin and i just didn't have the heart to leave him behind.

The photos a bit misleading, in the last one there is an discoloration above the 2 holes, that is more close to white, the piece is a bit toned.
3.8 cm tall, about 2 wide and around 3 cm in depth, heavy for the volume, 26,6 gr.
A bit of a question about the age and if someone can translate the signature.

 

It is the cutest little netsuke. Yes, he is real, probably second half of the 19th century.

Probably because he is ivory, even antique ivory can't be sold in most countries.

A rat netsuke in the same style, the last one in the bottom right hand corner:
https://boutonsweb.fr/pdvb/P_OS.html

 

I concur..

 

That is the cutest little ellyfant! I'm so glad that you rescued him from the bin!

 

Antique ivory can be sold in my country, but it doesn't really affect me, cos i am more a buyer then a seller on most things, even if the piece doesn't interest me that much, im more inclined to a trade than to selling it.
Spotted him in a bin with all sorts of junk and plastic figurines a seller had, stood out from a mile away, and i ended up buying it for smth like 2 dollars.

But he fits with my miniatures. Still looking for a time period on the piece, and a transliteration of the kanji.

 

Early Meiji if you prefer.

 

I'd have run off with him too, and I"m not a big elephant lover. Japanese netsuke on the other hand are on my "grab and run" list. I'm just glad someone didn't say "oh ivory" and pitch the poor thing.

 

Must have been distracted by smth else, saw your reply, but the first paragraph about the piece didn't register at all ), the second half of the 19th century part.
My bad and ty .

 

Also given the age, am i safe to assume that what i initially described as a discoloration, is actually a pattern gain from being worn ?
Seems to follow the raised areas, starting from above the holes, going up the side and a bit of the rim of the ear, missing the lower areas along the side.
Not sure how it would have sat if it was worn.

 

This is how a netsuke was worn..... https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/miniature-world-of-netsuke/

 

and it would have uneven wear...imo

 

What a cute little elephant! He screams real even hiding out amongst a bunch of bin buddies. So glad you found him. Perfect for a miniature collection.