Glass ball on a wooden stand of finely carved and undercut work. The base has been carved in the shape of high foaming waves in which fishes are swimming, and that carry the jewel of the tides. The waves inlaid with little pieces of mother-of-pearl and gold lacquer. Ryujin, the Dragon King, held this jewel to rule the tides. Overall height 7 ¼ inches. Japan, Meiji period. Ball in near-perfect condition (one tiny, shallow scratch), the stand with some repairs and some missing tips on the waves...

A bronze okimono depicting a young geisha walking barefoot with an elegant kimono and a smiling face, with her hands raised behind her head. I have the perfect haircut to match the quality of the Tokyo school and the high quality of the foot to highlight the elegance and elegance of the movement. Signed Harumitsu (Seikō) entered a square uppercut. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 30 x 11.5 x 10 cm...

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

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)

Ivory okimono depicting a Japanese farmer tying three daikon turnips with a rope. The details of the farmer are finely engraved and sculpted, testifying to the artist's mastery. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 10 x 12.5 x 9.5 cm. Ivory dimensions: 7 x 8.5 x 5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

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)...

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...

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

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...

Superbly executed ceramic monkey eating a berry with a whimsical expression of innocent delight. As an okimono or if incense was placed in the hollow cavity, would make a great incense burner as the scented smoke would exit holes in ears. Late Meiji or early Taisho Period, C.1900-1920. Great condition. H: 10" x W:5". Ask for shipping quote.

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.

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...

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...

Japanese burl wood carving of a man with a large frog on his back, Gama Sennin. The man appears to be offering a peach in his hands as an offering. It is beautifully carved with the man almost melting into the natural root wood. Completely hand carved with many charming details. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 4" H x 5" W

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...

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. ...

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 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)

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

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.

A subtle bisque figure of Kwan Yin done by the Rengetsu studio. A seal and signature is found on the back of the statue. Statue comes with a box with the inscription stating: Byakue Kannon (white robed Kwan yin) Rengetsu zo ( Produced by Rengetsu) Age: Late 19th century -early 20th century. Size: Height: 8.75" Length: 6.75" Width: 4.8"

A charming Japanese boxwood okimono of a peapod. Smooth, fine hand-carved work. Original warm natural finish.

19th Century

Size: 6" L x 1.25" W x 1/3" thick

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

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.

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

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.

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...

A healthy, plump, round & gentle-faced, "Kintaro" doll holding a lively carp (also considered a symbol of strength and good luck). In folklore, Kintaro grows up to become a famous warrior. He represents the wishes of parents to have a brave, strong, yet gentle son. Size H: 23 cm W: 13.5 cm. Period: Early Taisho. Condition: Some wearing off of pigment on fish. Short rope that goes in front of hat is detached on one side, but can easily be re-attached (we've kept it as is). ...

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).

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).

Lovely pair of mixed metal quail on a black lacquered table. By the acclaimed master metal worker, Seifu. Signed and in excellent condition. In original paulownia box. Ask for shipping quote. H:8" x W: 15".

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

Sensational bronze egret `Koro` incense burner from the Taisho Period C.1915. Used for the tea ceremony. Delicately balanced on two legs, the egret seems to bee feeding or looking for its feed. The movement in the sculpture is fantastic. In very good condition. Ask for shipping quote.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful bronze Noh Theater figure 'Okina' by the acclaimed craftsman "Shusei". His signature is on the back. The detailed bronze work is superb and the detachable face mask catches the character of 'Okina' sublimely. Made in the late Taisho Period C.1920. With a light source in front, the shadows will dance. H:32cm x W:27cm. Ask for shipping quote.

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

A cute dog Fushimi doll. The dog has an interesting collar possibly in the form of a fabric collar, often seen with domesticated animals portrayed in Japanese paintings. Fushimi dolls were created as dolls made for pilgrims visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Age: Meiji-Taisho Period Size: length 9.25" Width 3" Height 9"

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 ...

Japanese Hirado Porcelain Okimono-Daikoku, god figure, Ca. Meiji period, 3 3/4" high, 2 3/4" wide, 2 3/4" deep, with underglaze blue design in some area. The condition is good, no damages, kiln firing mark on the side of barrel.

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 very finely carved OKINOMO Pot-Belly Pig, high-grade exotic wood, Meiji Period (1886-1912). This Okinomo is of course ideal for those born in the year of the Pig. The Pig symbolizes "Good Fortune & Prosperity". Excellent condition, size: L. 5.5 cm. (2 1/4")

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.

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.

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)

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

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

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...

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

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. 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 ...

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...

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)

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. In...

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

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

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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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