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)

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

Pair 19C Japanese Solid Bronze Elephant Figure SIGNED Meiji Period Pair Japanese Solid Bronze Models of elephants. Each boldly cast in the form of an elephant, applied two tusks. Very heavy. Mother elephant signed “せいや製 Seiya Sei”, child elephant signed “光元 Kou Yen”. Size: Mother elephant: 22.5 cm long, 9.5 cm tall Child elephant: 18.5 cm long, 13.3 cm tall Condition: Excellent

Japanese okimono of two Chinese lions one on top of each other carved of boxwood. No signature is found on the okimono. Size: Length:2.75" Width:1.5" Height:3.25".

Japanese Early 20th Century wooden carving of adult monkey holding fruit with juvenile monkey playing below. Carved by artist, SUIUN. 18" height by 16" width by 9" depth.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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.

Superb Taisho Period C. 1915 Japanese tea ceremony bronze flower vase. Placed in the tokonoma of a Japanese Tea House with a single flower it evokes the essence of wab sabi and the soul of the tea ceremony. Lovely art deco bulbous shape with wave diaper on the base. The lip is contoured simply but elagantly. Excellent condition. 11" high and 6" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

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...

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

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...

Unique handworn / polished natural burl wood brush rest in the shape of a mink okimono. The low long shape makes for an ideal brush rest for an calligrapher...

Adorable very well excuted Japanese hardwood carving of a frog seated on top of a leaf. He is wonderfully detailed with allover chisel marks due to the hand-carved nature. Hand carved with the upmost attention to detail. The underside is signed. (Translation coming Soon). Size: 3" H x 6.25" L x 6.5" W