A marine ivory okimono with elephant ivory parts depicting a daily life scene of a seated craftsman while he repairs a small wheel...

Ceramic sculpture of the white fox, messenger of Inari – the Shinto and Buddhist deity of harvest, rice and abundance.

The Inari fox (kitsune) is a benevolent animal, a sign of prosperity and wealth. This proximity to the kami Inari leads to the two figures being mixed and substituted in the imagination, with the animal becoming a fox-god. Inari’s fox is depicted holding a variety of objects in its mouth with different symbolic meaning: a wheat ear, a scroll, a ball or a key...

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)

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

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...

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 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 marine ivory okimono, depicting a Ryu dragon fleeing upwards into the clouds passing under the arm of a character sitting on the tatami. Signature 'Gekko (?) tō' 月古かたな engraved under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 20 x 8 x 6 cm. State of conservation: Very good

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...

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.

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

Ivory okimono with blind travelers defending themselves from the aggression of four scoundrels who try to rob them of their bags and food. The scene involves nine characters, three of whom receive sticks, umbrellas and punches. One of the most curious moments is the character at the top, who loses a geta during the battle...

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...

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.

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)

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

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...

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...

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.

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 bronze 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

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).

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.

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. In Japan, Jurōjin is one of the Daoist Seven Gods of Fortune, or Shichifukujin. He is the God of Longevity. Jurōjin originated from the Chinese Daoist god, the Old Man of the South Pole...

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...

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.

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.

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. ...

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.

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)

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).

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. The pri...

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.

The eyes of the rhinoceros are inlaid with exquisite mother of...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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: 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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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. ...

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

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

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...

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

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...

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)

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.

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...