A local shop is selling a nagauta, kouki wood with ivory – and he will repair the dou with new skin for about $400-450 included… great deal right?
How can I tell if this is ivory though? is ivory cold to the touch? I don’t think the guy would lie but I’m still doubtful bc its such a great price
advice?
Hello, Could you tell me if the shamisen is pre-owned or new? If it is new there is a probability. But if it is vintage, the ivory wouldn’t be completely white. It would be darker, maybe yellow-ish. It can be Synthetic Ivory 象牙調.
The price makes it a little bit doubtful, doesn’t it? Get a closer look on them and check for some kind of pattern.
The only problem with identifying by pattern is that I saw some synthetic ivory with patterns.
I would go for the price. If it is pre owned, the itomaki should be a little darker and if it’s new, the shamisen would cost much more. (Brand new ivory itomaki will cost you about $1000)
Hope I have helped 
But talk with someone with more knowledge than me, like Kyle for example.
Michelle, there is a lot of old ivory in Japan, so it is likely real, but I can’t tell from the photos. They look like they are in very good shape. Ivory does not significantly yellow with age if is protected from the environment and skin oil. Most of the yellowing is due to handling with greasy hands and not wiping clean. My teacher’s itomaki are 35+ years old and bright white. If everything else is in good shape it is a good deal.
Since you are in Japan, you don’t have to be in a hurry. There are a lot of those old nagauta shamisen around at good prices. If in doubt, look around. Have you tried Yahoo Japan auctions? I have bought several shamisen that way at good prices.
Ivory is cool to the touch and has a bit of weight to it, even if it isn’t real ivory it is still a very good price.
Thx guys . I better learn how to play before buying any more lol