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)

A bronze and ivory okimono depicting a street entertainer playing the shamisen, a Japanese musical instrument. The player wears a traditional kimono, rests his right foot on his box which he carries along with his umbrella on his traveling journey. It is signed Jōnan 城南 with engraving on the bronze. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 21 x 20 x 15 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Wonderful playful expression on this Bizen ceramic Shishi. Showa Period Ca. 1930. Excellent condition. 9" long x 7" tall x 5" deep. Ask for shipping quote.

An okimono depicting a Japanese craftsman building a traditional Japanese helmet, the Kabuto. This Kabuto is a “kawari kabuto”, decorated with imaginative and distinctive elements. The combination of carved ivory, mother of pearl and coral offers a wealth of detail and color to the scene, creating a fascinating contrast between the different textures and materials. Signed under the Kyosai base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 7 cm. State of...

Boxwood okimono depicting a koi carp. The eyes, in mother-of-pearl and black horn, are inlaid with precision, while the overlapping scales on the body give extraordinary realism. The koi carp was portrayed with particular attention to its movement, creating a dynamic and engaging visual effect...

A patinated bronze okimono depicting an elephant defending itself from the attack of two tigers: one on its back and the other under its paw. Very well worked in the details of the elephant's skin, in contrast with that of the two double patina tigers with a different shine. The okimono is signed under the elephant's belly within the square reserve Genryusai Seiya zo 誠谷作. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 20 x 30 x 15 cm...

A Japanese bronze and ivory Tokyo School Okimono depicting a Geisha dancing with fans. The Geisha is portrayed in a dance pose, with fans open around her, creating an atmosphere of movement. Her smiling face expresses serenity, while her eyes shine with joy and grace...

A wooden okimono depicting a lying horse, finely carved down to the smallest details. The muscles, hooves and mane are rendered with care and artistry, capturing the vitality of the horse in a static form. The excellent patina that envelops the okimono gives the horse a subtle shine that reveals the sculpted details with even more clarity. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 6.5 cm State of conservation: Very good

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 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...

A Japanese ivory okimono depicting a pair of figs decorated in polychrome. One of the fruits is ripe and shows partial peeling, revealing the inside. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 6 x 5.8 x 4.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

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.

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

Length: 30 cm (12 in)
Height: 14.5 cm (5.9 in)
Depth: 11 cm (4.4 in)
Weight: 1.5 kg

Extraordinary statement piece; fine Japanese carved okimono of a resting elephant; the skin and bone structure and modelling of the piece is anatomically perfect throughout; the tusks are also wooden; a fine piece indeed; good condition

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...

Bronze okimono with excellent color and dark brown patina depicting a geisha signed Seiya sei. The scene depicts her walking on her geta dressed in an elegant kimono while she holds her fan aloft as a gesture of greeting. The kimono is embellished with a large obi that wraps around her pelvis and holds the pillow tightly behind her back...

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...

Patinated bronze sculpture depicting a roaring lion of excellent quality evident in the details of the muzzle, in the energetic expression, in the muscles and in the thick mane. The eyes have a golden outline that stands out against the dark background of the bronze and gives the animal an even more truthful expression. This bronze sculpture is signed Gyōkō 暁光 (Akasofu Gyōkō 赤祖父暁光) under the belly within a rectangular reserve. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji second half...

A Japanese boxwood okimono depicting Okame, a figure from Japanese folklore known for his cheerful smile. The figure of Okame is depicted smiling, in an elegant pose while she holds her clothes in her hands and holds a carved fan in her right hand. The fan, a symbol of sophistication in Japanese culture, adds an element of beauty. Boxwood is a precious and versatile wood...

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

Length: 10.5 cm (4.2 in)
Height: 6 cm (2.4 in)
Depth: 3.9 cm (1.7 in)

Quality Japanese carved okimono of an elephant; natural material; finely carved throughout; minor restoration; 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

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...

Late Taisho - early Showa (1920s) small Japanese 2-toned chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) okimono of a floating mandarin duck. Perfectly captured essence of the bird, excellent sense of volume, skillfully carved in characteristic style of Hida school with clever use of wood colors and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Eyes inlaid in dark horn, superb patina. Signed SHOO on the bottom. Length 2 1/4 inches.

A gosu blue Satsuma sculpture depicting Jurōjin 寿老人, one of the seven lucky God (shichifukujin 七福神) holding a fan with his right hand and finely decorated with red, turquoise and blue polychrome enamels enriched with gold motifs. The Kimono is finely decorated with floral and phoenix motifs. The sculpture is signed Satsuma Senjudō’ 薩摩宣壽堂 on the back within a rectangular gold reserve with Shimazu Mon (Emblem of the Shimazu family). God of Wisdom...

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.

Antique Japanese okimono carving of a little skeleton on top of a larger skull. Made of boxwood with a beautiful patina. Intricately carved to show every bone of the small skeleton and the teeth of the skull. The artist's humor is displayed in both style and subject matter.

Age: Edo Period (17th century)

Dimensions: 1 1/2" high

A Japanese large boxwood honeycomb with numerous hexagonal cells that contain the larvae, some of which emerge from the holes, hanging from a persimmon tree branch surrounded by wasps with horn eyes controlling the brood. Signed Tadakazu 忠一 engraved on oval horn insert. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 8 x 10 x 10 cm. Condition report: Very Good condition

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...

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...

A Japanese bronze okimono of a walking elephant with the trunk raised finely engraved in the details, signed Seiya under the base. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 23 x 36 x 25 cm. Condition report: Good condition

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...

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

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...

Superb bronze scholar holding a caligrapgy brush and an undulating scroll with the character `Kotobuki` (congratulations) in faded silver. The folds of the robe and face and brush are of the highest bronze craftsmanship. Signed on the bottom "Shuro" one of the leading craftsman of the late Taisho Period C.1920. Roughlt 7" tll by 5" wide. Table included. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique bronze sculpture of a male lion. Standing with head raised, he lets out a roar. Beautifully rendered with naturalistic details especially in mane and face. Signed with a raised cartouche on the underside of his belly: 誠谷作 Seiya saku "Work of Seiya". His full name is Genryūsai Seiya (源龍斎誠谷) and he was the master craftsman of a studio specializing in high quality wares for export. It is suggested that his sculptures of animals were probably influenced by the opening...

Height: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Length: 5.6 cm (2.3 in)
Depth: 3.9 cm (1.6 in)
Weight: 195 gms

Quality miniature bronze okimono of a rat; fine casting and patina throughout

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...

The falcon is represented resting on a branch. His expression is attentive and we can guess that he is hunting. The artist knew how to infuse him with all the ruthless savagery in his gaze. It is signed by Haru Mitsu. It is finely carved in wood, probably cherry,the pupils inlaid in black horn.I remember having read that this artist liked to exaggerate certain parts of the body of his subjects, here it is clear that the claws, eyes and beak are strongly exaggerated. This is what gives all its st...

A Japanese large wood and lacquer head of Fudō-Myō-ō. Fudō Myō-ō is the central deity in all Myō-ō groupings, and in artwork is positioned in the center. Fudō converts anger into salvation; has furious, glaring face, as Fudō seeks to frighten people into accepting the teachings of Dainichi Buddha; Fudō’s aureole is typically the flames of fire, which according to Buddhist lore, represent the purification of the mind by the burning away of all material desires. Myō-ō is the J...

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. ...

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. ...

An antique Japanese Daruma wooden mold used for making paper mâché dolls. Likely retired from duty and lacquered to preserve its years of production and service. The worn lacquer is a testament to its display and use that extended beyond its useful life and paid tribute to the former artisans that supported the craft. The bottom reveals the three holes used to connect the mold to a turning wheel for ease of applying the paper mache. Knife cuts and natural cracks from wear show how the mold w...

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

Okimono of a Chinese cabbage made in woodbox. The texture and veins have been delicately detailed. Native from China, it is an herbaceous plant of the Brassicaceae family. It is eaten in many ways in Asia: in soup, in salads, stir-fried, in ravioli of filled patties. Japon – Meiji era (1868-1912) Height: 2.4 in. (6.5 cm) – Diameter : 1.6 in. (4.5 cm)

Height: 14.5 cm (5.8 in)
Width: 5.4 cm (2.2 in)
Depth: 3.2 cm (1.4 in)

Japanese okimono of Benzaiten carrying her biwa; natural material; fine carving; signed to the base; good condition

A Japanese boxwood okimono of a rat-catcher preparing the miso on a big bowl before catching the rat. Black horn eyes. Excellent quality and great patina. Jigaku signature under the base. During the Edo period, blind people were recruited to hunt rats. With their sensitivity and hearing, they were able to hunt small rodents. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 9 x 8,5 x 8,5 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A large heavy okimono of a striding elephant. The bronze elephant has a finely chased hide and it's original ivory tusks. The elephant measures about 19" long x 19" high, and weighs about 23.8 pounds. There is a maker's mark cut out on the belly of the beast which reads "Watanambe Made", and the patina overall is even and perfect. The elephant was made during the Meiji period, ie: late 19th Century, and the condition is perfect. The asking price includes shipping within the USA.

A Japanese bronze study of a prowling, growling, tiger with an open mouth, glass eyes and etched strips. There is a cast rectangular reserve on the tigers belly which says Seiya Sake(Sei ya made), which would indicate that the statue was made in the Genryusai Seiya Workshop. The tiger weighs about 5 pounds, measures about 13 1/2" long x 7 1/2" high, and dates to the late 19th Century. The condition is excellent. The tiger comes with a beautiful wooden stand as shown. The asking price includ...

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. The asking price inclu...

Boxwood Carved Mother & Baby Toad Okimono Signed, 19th Century

The toads is 2 inches (5.2 cm) tall, and 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) long by 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) wide. It is 85.7 gram.

It has surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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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.

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...

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

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

A Japanese painted and lacquered polychrome wood Fudo-Myo with horn gilted eyes on glass covered. Fudo Myo-o, god of fire and wisdom, is the most popular of the Myo-o “great kings”. He is the fifth guardian of the heavens and protector of astrologers, he is invoked when difficult undertakings are undertaken. Fudo transforms anger into salvation, has a truly furious attitude, with his terrifying gaze he tries to scare people into accepting the teachings of Buddha Dainichi Nyorai (the Supre...

Pair of Japanese bronze Sheep, one male (ram) an one Female (ewe). Well model with realistic details. Both are solid bronze and have their original natural aged patina.

Both signed: Bikai, comes with original kiri wood tomobako signed Bikai: Reading pair of bronze sheep.

Meiji period (1868 - 1912)

Dimension Box: 9" wide X 7 3/4" deep X 7" high Dimensions Ram: 6 1/2" long X 2 1/2" wide X 5 1/2" high

Antique Japanese boxwood okimono of swimming carp fish with sinuously shaped body and realistically carved scales and details. Lovely soft patina of golden brown color. Good condition.

Age: Meiji Period circa 1900s
Size: 14"L 4"H 4"W

A fine Japanese Aka-gashi wood okimono of a recumbent shishi (chinese lion). Pleasant patina and grain. Masaharu engraved signature under the base. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 14,4 x 35,5 cm Condition report: Very good condition

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. The base itself is made in what appears to be Chinese red wood (hongm...