Okimono depicting a koi carp in boxwood with excellent color and blonde patina. The carp is represented in movement with glass eyes and scales superimposed on the body. The carp has a difficult to read signature under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 33 x 9.5 x 12 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory okimono, carved from a single block, depicting a Samurai with his katana and fan, while a phoenix appears suspended in the clouds. Next to the Samurai, a fox and a monkey are curious and seem to share the samurai's surprise and enthusiasm. Signed Kazutoshi 一俊 with engraving under the base. Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 26.5 x 6.5 x 5.5 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition...

Excellent quality dark patina bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful panther. The posture is engaging with the hind legs bent, tail curled upwards and the body in an oblique position. The jaws are wide open and show the animal's teeth, while the whiskers are in relief. The streaks of the fur are depicted in a masterly way and highlighted in a different patina even to the touch...

Ivory okimono depicting a farmer sitting on a bamboo stick, captured in a moment of pause and serenity. The sculpture shows the farmer holding a bento box and chopsticks, ready to enjoy a meal that includes rice, edamame and bamboo...

A Japanese ivory brush holder carved in bas-relief with festive characters dancing and playing next to an elephant dressed for special occasions. On the opposite side a large Japanese "Matsu" pine seems to cover and shade the entire scene. The internal part is entirely patinated bronze with slightly gilded details of the symbols of the chrysanthemum and the pauwlonia flower, two symbolic elements linked to the emperor and the Tokugawa clan. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th cen...

Boxwood okimono with a light patina depicting two walking Oni, represented with notable artistic mastery. The taller of the two oni holds a jar and a large sack. The younger of the two holds a wooden bucket on his shoulder, connected to a sack, while exchanging an envelope, presumably containing money, with his companion. His eyes are dark horn. Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 11.3 x 7.7 x 6.8 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition...

A Japanese porcelain koi dragon resting on the enameled base to simulate bronze with an open mouth and a sphere on the tongue. Entirely in glazed white porcelain with gold decorations on the fins, tail and long whiskers. Legend has it that a Koi carp leaping from the depths of the river attracted the attention of local demons, who stepped up the waterfall out of mischief. After a hundred years of jumping, a Koi finally reached the top of the waterfall...

This early 20th century Japanese carved bone and tagua statue is 6 ¼” high, 2” wide (the base is 2 5/8” wide) and 1 ¾” thick. It depicts a man who appears to be a merchant. His left hand carries a pouch; his right hand is raised up and holds an unknown subject. His body was carved from bone and his head was carved from tagua (vegetable ivory). Aside from a small repair on the collar, it is in good condition.

Okimono of the Tokyo school made in bronze, depicting a farmer returning home after the harvest. He carries two fruit baskets, which are filled with harvest products. To carry the baskets, the farmer has a long stick over his shoulder, with the ends of the baskets hooked to it. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 31.5 x 23 x 13 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A subtle bisque figure of Kwan Yin done by the Rengetsu studio. A seal and signature is found on the back of the statue. Statue comes with a box with the inscription stating: Byakue Kannon (white robed Kwan yin) Rengetsu zo ( Produced by Rengetsu) Age: Late 19th century -early 20th century. Size: Height: 8.75" Length: 6.75" Width: 4.8"

A Bronze elephant under attack by two tigers, one tiger is on his back, and one is under his front foot. The elephant has a finely chased hide and original ivory tusks, and the tigers have etched bronze strips. There is a makers mark inscribed on the bottom of the elephant's right front foot which says "Jonon"(south castle). The okimono measures about 7" wide x 7 1/2" tall, and dates to the Meiji Period. The condition is excellent, and it comes with a burl wood stand...

Boxwood okimono with horn and mother of pearl, portraying the moment of Daruma's awakening. The figure, sitting and stretching, has wide eyes and an open mouth. Under the base, the signature “Tomokata” is engraved on red lacquer. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A bronze okimono depicting a young geisha walking barefoot with an elegant kimono and a smiling face, with her hands raised behind her head. I have the perfect haircut to match the quality of the Tokyo school and the high quality of the foot to highlight the elegance and elegance of the movement. Signed Harumitsu (Seikō) entered a square uppercut. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 30 x 11.5 x 10 cm...

A large Japanese wood okimono of a shishi with its puppy on a wooden base. Silk, enamel and glass eyes. Edo period 18th century Sizes: 37 x 50 x 30 cm Condition report: Good condition

Japanese carved boxwood large Okimono, Mino-Kame turtle. Late 19th Century, Meiji Period. Mino (straw raincoat) Kame (turtle/tortoise) are named as such because Japanese believe the turtle lives such a long time that they grow algae on their on their shells, symbolizing longevity. A magnificent carving made of a single block of fine boxwood, showing amazing details and a beautiful wood grain throughout this masterpiece. 18 x 8.5 x 4 inches, 45.75 x 21.5 x 10 cm.

Uniquely figured diamond shaped bronze 'suiban' flower vessel for ikebana flower arrangement. Lovely Meiji Period c.1885 bronze featuring hexagonal diaper pattern representing tortoise shells and long life. Ever since the Nara Period, stylized tortoise shells have been a popular diaper design in Japanese art. Very rare design for a suiban flower vessel; most are rectangular. Excellent condition. c.1885. (18" x 13") (45cm x 32cm).

Length: 57cm (22.8 in)
Height: 38cm (15.2 in)
Width: 18cm (7.5 in) ear to ear
Weight: 6.5kg (14 lb)

Wonderful large Meiji bronze elephant; very good casting with ivory tusks; marked on the belly; good patina and condition

Okimono in bronze of a frog.
Seal of the founder or of his factory on its belly, not identified.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A gong in the shape of a frog can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 0.9 in...

Wonderful antique Japanese tea ceremony tray to serve sweets. Meiji Period c.1890 made of persimmons wood with rich patina and undulating edges. Inscripted on the tray in flowing japanese characters are the kanji reading 'sei ogi-zo' meaning realized sage and the maker's signature which we can't read. Excellent condition. c.1890. (15" x 7") (38cm x 18cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $35.

A very interesting and well-carved figure-group (okimono) on a fitted base depicting the ox-herding boy and his ox loaded with fire wood in naturalistic style. The head, hands, feet of the body as well as the leash and the bundle of fire wood carried by the ox have been made from tinted ivory, as has the plaque with the artist’s name. The rest of the group has been made from a dense type and beautifully veined Oriental wood...

Jizai okimono of an articulated hammered copper praying mantis.

The praying mantis (in Japanese, kamakiri) is considered an auspicious symbol.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 3.15 in / 8.5 cm – width: 3.94 in / 10.5 cm – depth: 4.72 in / 12.5 cm

Height: 6.1 cm (2.4 in)
Width: 5 cm (2 in)
Depth: 3.6 cm (1.4 in)

Fine Japanese carved okimono of a horse being led by a clothed monkey; another monkey has draped himself over the horse’s back; natural material; excellent staining and scrimshaw work with remnants of old polychrome that was added in some areas; excellent patina; signed by a rare artist, Nobuchika

Japanese three string musical instrument Player, Meiji period, late 1800's, 2" high, 2 1/2" wide, ,1 1/2" deep, the ivory figure is finely done, add nice age patina on smooth rounded carving with humorous face and hairdo, small tip of the string instrument is broken off, age crack on the tip of the robe on the left back side about 1/2" long.

This antique Japanese okimono was intricately hand-carved during the Meiji period (1868-1912) to portray a lifelike rhinoceros. The artist has skillfully captured the fine details of the animal's body, creating a rough texture that emulates the real hide of a rhinoceros. The material's natural color is brilliantly incorporated, particularly on the shoulders and head of the creature, lending it a strikingly realistic appearance...

Length: 7.6 cm (3 in)
Depth: 6.2 cm (2.4 in)
Height: 1.7 cm (0.6 in)

` Exquisite carved Japanese okimono of a lotus leaf with flowers, an insect and fine detail throughout; the base is also very detailed; natural material; very good condition

Japanese antique large censer depicting the fisherman Urashima Taro from the fairy tale, Otogi Banashi. In the story, the fisherman discovers some children on the beach toying with a turtle. Urashima Taro buys the turtle from them and sets him free. The turtle grows in size and carries Urashima Taro down beneath the sea to the Dragon Palace (Ryugu-jo) where he is met and thanked by the Princess Otohime. After a few days, Urashima Taro decides to return to the world above the sea...

Japanese antique okimono carved of boxwood in the form of a lovely lady standing with an octopus. A whimsical scene with the lady holding the "nose" of the octopus who in return is sneaking his tentacle up her kimono. Wonderful attention to detail can be seen in the weaving of the basket behind the two figures as well as in the suction cups of the tentacles and the fashionable Edo Period knot in the woman's long hair. Unsigned. Edo Period. Size: 2 1/2" high x 2" wide.

Large Japanese Okimono Sculpture of Jurōjin, God of Longevity with a turtle, also a symbol of long life, and a young boy representing the beginning of life. Exquisitely carved from one piece of boxwood with a beautiful, rich patina. 15.75 inches, 40 cm...

This well carved late Meiji Period (1868~1911) wood okimono is 2 ¾” high, 3” wide and 2” thick. It depicts a sitting Hotai with big smile on his face. It is signed “Chikamitsu” and is in excellent condition.

Japanese box made of boxwood carved in the shape of a giant clam shell upon which sits an arhat. His robes are beautifully decorated with gold maki-e lacquer. He holds a sharp tool as if he may attempt to open the enormous shell. Meiji Period (1868-1912).

An articulated iron model of spiny lobster. Naturalistically modelled, formed from individually cast, hammered and carved sections crafted to resemble the crustacean’s shell with well chiseled details, assembled with fully articulated joints to allow lifelike mobility; signed on the belly Myochin (明珍). With a wooden storage box.

Japan, Meiji era (1868-1912)

20,5 cm (8in) long with retracted antennae.

Jizai okimono of an articulated wooden lobster. This one is a Japanese spiny lobster (ise-ebi in Japanese), a lobster species of Pacific Ocean that grows up to around 12 in (30 cm). It is a popular item in high-class Japanese cuisine.

Wooden jizai okimono are quite rare. They are mostly made of metal (iron, copper, silver, shakudô, etc.).

Signature below the tail of Shôroku's lobster (笑緑). Left antennule missing.

Japan, Shôroku (笑緑) - Meiji ...

One of the best examples of Japanese bronzes we have seen in an increasingly sparse market, this beautiful piece is worth a second look. Deep, rich Meiji Period (c.1867-1912) bronze with carp swimming over waves in raised relief on one side; geese frolicing among grasses, also in raised relief on the other side. Handles come out of baku's (bad dream eaters) mouths. Absolutely stunning. c.1890. (10½" x 5½") (27cm x 14cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $90.

Okimono in bronze of a frog.
Seal of the founder or of his factory on its belly, not identified.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A gong in the shape of a frog can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 1.4 in. ...

Wonderful antique Japanese okimono of the mythical characters Ashinaga and Tenaga. The two friends live on the beach and survive on fish. Tenaga catches them with his long arms while sitting on the back of Ashinaga who wades out into the water with his long legs. Carved with great detail and whimsy out of boxwood. Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 14 1/4" high x 4 3/4" wide

Please visit our website www.artecollezione.it A Japanese wood okimono of a pair of wooden chicks on tree trunk. Tokyo School, signed Ohno Meizan, an apprentice of famous artist Takamura Koun. Period: Taisho 20th century Sizes: 17 x 10 x 13 cm. Condition report: Very Good condition + Certificate of Authenticity Worldwide delivery

Turn of the century antique Japanese bronze flower vase. Thick rings create an art deco feeling. Beautiful lines and rich coloration. c.1900. (9" x 5") (23cm x 11cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $80.

Height: 20 cm (8 in)
Width: 5.8 cm (2.4 in)
Depth: 5 cm (2 in)

Fine Japanese carved okimono of Gamma Sennin, the Sage Liu Hai supporting a toad on his back; excellent carving throughout; natural material; signed on the base; good condition

Height: 6 cm (2.4 in)
Width: 5.3 cm (2.1 in)
Depth: 6.3 cm (2.6 in)

Wonderful Japanese wooden okimono of a seated monkey searching for fleas; exquisite workmanship throughout; inlaid horn eyes; signed Ryomin

This interesting and finely carved Japanese ivory okimono is a mid-19th century product. It is 4 7/8” high, 2 3/8” wide and 1 ¼” thick. It depicts one adult and two youngsters engaged in the pastime of catching bugs. One boy, on the back of the adult, waves a fly swatter in his left hand while his right hand grabs at a dragonfly over his head that is trying to escape. The second boy stands next to them straining to hold up the long insect-catching bamboo pole. The expressions on their fac...

A charming little okimono of three monkeys posed in the famous style known in Japanese: Sanzaru (Hear no evil, See no evil, Say no evil). Inlaid eyes, amazing detail work on the fur and the face. Signed Shugetsu. Age: Meiji Period. Size: D: 1.6" H: 2.8".

Dark brown patina bronze sculpture of a praying mantis.

The praying mantis (in Japanese, kamakiri) is considered an auspicious symbol.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 0.79 in / 2.3 cm – width: 1.18 in / 3.5 cm – depth: 3.15 in / 8.8 cm

Okimono bronze sculpture of a garlic head with a few cloves visible.

Unidentified mark on the base, most likely from the foundry.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Width: 2 in (5 cm) – depth: 1.5 in (4 cm) – height: 1.8 in (4.7 cm)

Fine iron jizai of a butterfly with articulated wings.

The butterfly (choho) in Japan is perceived as "the soul of the living and the dead", the spirits of the dead taking the form of a butterfly on their journey to the other world. The butterfly spreading its wings is a symbol of femininity. It can also symbolize joy and longevity. This last motif is taken up by the samurai, seeing in its twirling figure a motive of good omen allowing them to reach immortality. The...

Joli petit okimono en bois sculpté en forme d'enfant jouant du tambour. Sa robe est finement incrustée de motif de fleurs stylisées de différent matériaux, argent, os teinté, corne ou ébène et nacre. Dessous 2 caractères gravés sur une tablette de nacre indiquent le nom de l'artiste qui est certainement célèbre au regard de la qualité de l'oeuvre. Il manque quelques perles et les baguettes de tambours, mais celà ne nuit point à l'équilibre de la sculpture. Toutefois nous pouvons ...

Jizai okimono of an articulated crab in bronze with dark brown patina.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 2 in / 5 cm – width: 7 in / 18 cm – depth: 3.9 in / 10.5 cm

A seated figure of otafuku. She enjoys the secret moment beneath. It is rare to see an otafuku erotic art figure of this scale. It is made with great expression and charm. Her kimono is finely decorated with local flora. A highly recommended piece for erotic art collector. Circa late Edo –early Meiji period, 19th Century. It is in fine condition.

H 8 7/8” x W 9 3/4” x D 8 3/8” (H 22.5cm x W 24.5cm x D 21.0cm)

Antique Japanese tobacco pouch and matching pipe case, each carved with an octopus. The pipe case is made all of boxwood and holds a tobacco pipe made of bamboo with silver and mixed metal fittings. The matching tobacco pouch is carved of kiri wood in the form of a fisherman's basket with a lid made of of boxwood and carved in the form of another octopus. Both practical and whimsical.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: Pipe case: 8" long. Tobacco pouch: 3 1/4" high ...

Width: 7.3 cm (2.9 in)
Height: 7.2 cm (2.8 in)
Depth: 5.9 cm (2.4 in)

Fine Japanese carved okimono of people involved in crabbing, catching mythical turtles (minogame) and household duties, all being undertaken under a grove of pine trees; three cranes are showing interest in what’s going on; a number of tiny legs with claws protruding from the foliage in places; natural material; very fine and deep carving throughout; signed in a lacquer plaque on the base; signature uncl...

Antique Japanese carved boxwood jizai-okimono of a dragon. Literally meaning "decorative object, moves at will", this jizai-okimono is made up of many separately carved moving pieces. There are differing theories about why these articulated creatures came to be made, the most accepted being that the armorers who normally created suits started crafting jizai-okimono as a way to show off their skills to daimyos in hopes of being chosen next time their armor needed to be replaced. During the Me...

Ivory sculpture okimono of a kingfisher on its base, with a fish in its beak. Its eyes are in hard stone.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Width: 1.6 in (4 cm) - depth: 2.8 in (7.2 cm) - height: 1.6 in (4.3 cm)

Height: 7 cm (2.7 in)
Width: 6.5 cm (2.5 in)
Depth: 9 cm (3.5 in)

Japanese carved wooden okimono of a yawning man; very characterful piece with inlaid horn eyes; good condition with few signs of age

Length of first: 10.1 cm (4 in)
Height: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)
Depth: 5 cm (2 in)
Length of second: 8.5 cm (3.4 in)
Height: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)
Depth: 4.3 cm (1.8 in)

Quality Japanese pair of bronze turtle okimonos; finely modelled throughout; Meiji Period; both signed by the same artist; one missing the tip of its tail; good condition

This antique Japanese Edo Period c.1840 red bronze utsubata flower vase is actually a Japanese proverb, "Hyotan Kara Koma". Literally, 'a horse from a gourd' meaning "the unexpected can be wonderful". The base of the vase is a wisteria wrapped gourd with an old man climbing on it. It was made so his head can move. On the underside of the top vase is a horse in raised thick bronze. Gourds are regarded as a lucky charm in Japan. Beautiful patina. c.1840. (10" x 11") (26cm x 28cm). Ask for shipping...

Antique Japanese Bizen ware ceramic figure of Daikoku, the god of wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi-fuku-jin). Daikoku is seen here seated on top of three large bags of rice. With his right hand he holds his wish-granting mallet over his head. With his left hand he holds a bag of precious things. Bizen ware pottery is made of the reddish brown clay with high iron content that is found in the area around the village of Imbe in Bizen province. This sculpture also has a chop impre...

An expressive small figure of the long-haired Gama Sennin dressed in a leaf apron, standing on a plinth, with a small toad. Carved from boxwood, the eyes of the immortal are inset in glass. Unsigned. Condition: back with a large and few smaller age cracks (top of the head, arm sleeve), few tiny rim chips. Dimension: c. 15.5 cm high.

Charming antique Japanese small bronze box in the form of Bodhi Darma (Daurma) as he sits meditating, wearing his trade mark expression intense concentration, nice details, a box most likely used for seal ink, Meiji Period. Size: 2 5/8" high

Outstanding craftsmanship has produced this fabulous bronze Buddhist Daruma-san. Rich patina and old Meiji Period bronze c.1880 have created a classic piece. Daruma is revered in Japan for bringing Buddhism to Japan and then his undying determination to achieve liberation and realization. c.1880. (15" x 6") (37cm x 16cm).

Highly collectable clay art doll called Miyoshi doll, which is also known as Miyoshi-deko (clay figure) featuring forty-seven ronin. The doll usually has a peculiar gloss all over them, especially on their faces. It is a simple but has a hint of beauty expressed by a Japanese traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation.

The origin of Miyoshi dolls is said to date back to 1630, when Chuemon Osaki came to Miyoshi, found some good clay in Yamaga (now Yamaga-cho, Miyoshi ...

An attractive and rare group of rootwood ducks. Partly carved from the natural root with the legs attached. The gander with a natural stone around which the root has grown. Meiji, ca. 1850. Size: . H 15 cm, H 12,5 cm., H 10 cm . Condition: Excellent and with great age patina.