The incredible quality of this okimono strongly suggests it is a Tokyo School piece, but we are unable to confirm the artist. Nevertheless, the mastery of the workmanship here should be readily apparent: Besides the exceptional realism of the elder’s face, the flow and folds to the robing, and all these expected features of fine workmanship that are the usual indica of top quality pieces, there is even more to this one: Draw your attention to the elder’s hands, for instance. Hands are notoriously difficult for sculptors to get right, but here they are carved to absolute realistic perfection, from the veins on the back of his hands, to the protruding bone at the wrist. Look too at the intricacy involved and the realism achieved in the carving of the bamboo reed basket, and of the netsuke attached to his hip. It is exceptional work through and through, with every detail masterfully executed.

Size and Condition: Somewhat larger than is typically seen, standing at 10 3/8 inches tall. Fine buttery patina commensurate with age, best seen on some of the reverse shots where the lighting was not overly bright and didn’t distort the appearance of the patina. There appears to be some minor restoration to the tanuki's right paw, there is a small, short hairline on the “fabric” covering the tanuki’s basket, and there are some age lines. These are all minor flaws and overall condition is excellent.