Ivory Samurai Carving on Teak Stand (signed)

this is an ivory carving of what appears (to me) to be a samurai, on a teak stand painted black. it is signed in a carved marking at the base, but it's incredibly difficult to take a picture of that signature with my iphone, so i've traced the signature or word at the bottom below. the ivory is in great shape, and it's solid ivory all the way through. the quality of the carving is incredibly smooth, detailed, and fluid. i'm not sure if the signature/marking gives it any value, but i'm quite sure the sheer quantity of ivory is atleast somewhat valuable. my grandparents were EXTREMELY wealthy, but also children of the depression. so they while they travelled the entire globe, they were also known to buy/hoard incredibly expensive and valuable items, and also tons of.. well, crap. i'm desperately trying to pay for graduate school, and hoping to find extra income where i can. and inherited antiques like this one, sadly, have to go, if they'll help me to afford a MA program.

Good