Antique Japanese Okimono of the Zen "Ox-Herding" theme
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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Okimono: Pre 1900: Item # 1395335
Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Okimono: Pre 1900: Item # 1395335
Please refer to our stock # 18 when inquiring.
$2,200.00
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. The base itself is made in what appears to be Chinese red wood (hongmu). Signed with the artist’s name: Kaigyoku. The ox-herding theme is a popular one in Japanese Zen Buddhism, and symbolises the practitioner’s spiritual struggle to bring his or her own mind under control. Japan, Meiji, c. 1880. H 17 cm, L 44 cm Condition: Very good all-over with a few minor losses (chips) to the sticks in the bundle as well as a few, very minor drying cracks on the body of the ox.
