Porcelain Statue Info Needed...Asian Man with Pipe

Came across this lovely piece at my mom's. There are no markings at all, but I think the detail is exquisite. Does anyone have any thoughts about the maker or its age? I found something sort of similar on Ebay, but it's different enough for me to think they weren't made by the same artist, though they might have had the same model.

The last photo shows detail of what may be damage or may be a manufacturer's flaw...I'm not sure which; and I'd love to know what you think of that as well. While it appears to be a gauge, it is smooth around the edges, not at all sharp.

Thanks for looking!

Asian Man with Pipe 1 by Brenda Anna posted May 2, 2016 at 1:19 AM

Asian Man with Pipe 2 by Brenda Anna posted May 2, 2016 at 1:19 AM

Asian Man with Pipe 4 by Brenda Anna posted May 2, 2016 at 1:20 AM

Asian Man with Pipe 3 by Brenda Anna posted May 2, 2016 at 1:19 AM

Asian Man with Pipe 5 by Brenda Anna posted May 2, 2016 at 1:20 AM

Asian Man with Pipe 6 by Brenda Anna posted May 2, 2016 at 1:20 AM

 

My guess would be Japanese and probably early 20th century. The style and fine detail are consistent with carved ivory okimono, which I think came into their own with the Meiji restoration (1868 and after). I don't know about that flaw. Looks like someone hit it with a pick. It might be a factory flaw - someone removing a bit of ash from the kiln, for instance. I don't think it's important.

 

He looks like this one: http://www.terapeak.com/worth/vintage-ardalt-oriental-man-w-pipe-figurine-6589/131593995996/

 

Better than I normally see from Ardalt.

 

Lenwile-Ardalt? Lenwile the manufacturer, and Ardalt the importer?

 

I don't think this is the Ardalt figurine. Here's another of those from eBay (completed auction).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ard...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Maybe Lenwile-Ardalt copied this?

 

It is very similar to the Ardalt. I'll look more closely when I can get on my computer. It's difficult to compare from my tablet.

 

The stand beneath the Ardalt figurine is an integral part of the figurine, unlike yours. The hands on yours are more finely delineated; the ground on which he is sitting (especially from the back) is much simpler on the Ardalt.

 

Looks more like Dehua blanc de chine to me.