JAPAN 1895 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of a Daikoku Carved In Ivory

Meiji period okimono of Daikoku.

This is a beautiful okimono sculpture, created in the late 19th century during the imperial Japan in the Meiji era period, back in he 1895. The rare okimono sculpture has been carefully carved in ivory with engraved details. The sculpture depict the standing draped figure of Daikoku, the Japanese god of abundance and good luck. The god Daikoku is carrying-holding a big basket of riches with several carps jumping out and holds a trap in his left hand.

This piece is very well executed and retains all the original aged patina of over 100 years old. This piece was recently professionally cleaned and polished. This stupendous piece will be a great addition for your desk, your Japanese antiques collection, or your bijouterie cabinet. The sculpture is mount in an oval base.

Daikoku

Daikoku is considered to be the god of wealth or the household, mostly the kitchen. He is recognized from his wide face, smile, and a flat black hat. He is often shown holding a golden mallet and sitting on bales of rice. In Japan, Daikokuten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Daikokuten came from the Indian god, Shiva. Daikoku wears Japanese robes and has a happy and smiling personality.

Okimono

This is a Japanese term meaning for display an ornament; art object; or decorative object, usually displayed in a tokonoma or butsudan "Buddhist altar". It is an ornament or figure, especially one placed in a guest room. An okimono may be a small Japanese carving, similar to but larger than a netsuke. Unlike the netsuke, which had a specific purpose, the okimono is exclusively decorative and was displayed in the tokonoma. During the Meiji period, many okimonos were made for export to the West.

Meiji period

This is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keiō era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.

Year: 1895

Technique: Carved, engraved and accented with gray ink.

Signature: Signed in the bottom by engraving, with two Japanese characters.

Weight: 124.5 Grams.

Measurements: 131 mm by 39 mm by 33 mm (5.15 x 1.55 x 1.28 Inches).

Disclosure Note: This is an antique relics piece, with over 100 years old or more and originally carved during the Meiji dynasty (1868-1912) in Japan.

Condition: The overall condition of this okimono is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage and all parts are secured in their settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D071024AAEJ/.1177