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...

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...

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...

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...

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...