The Meiji and Taisho periods (1868-1912, 1912-1926 resp.) hailed the most prosperous time for ivory carving in Japan with a great deal of skilled artisans gaining recognition and their works being highly praised as preeminent works of art upon export. Edo zoge, which paved the way for this boom in ivory carving, utilized traditional techniques fostered over a long period of time such as figure carving and latticework (a kind of carving wherein holes are punctured through thin material to make designs), nezuke carvings, combs, hair decorations, and accessories, allowing artists to create works that brought out the beauty of the material to their heart’s content.

As of present, ivory products are prohibited from being taken outside of Japan in accordance with the Washington Convention.