JAPAN 1880 Meiji Signed Okimono Sculpture Of ONI Demon Holding Basket With Fish

Meiji period okimono sculpture of Oni.

This is an exceptional okimono sculpture created in the late 19th century during the imperial Japan in the Meiji era period, back in 1880. The rare okimono sculpture has been carefully carved with fabulous details and accents in white nacre. The sculpture depicts the figure of ONI, standing in human-ish form with three clawed feet wearing shorts with a cloth tied around his shoulders and neck. He's holding a basket in the right hand and a large basket with a fish in the other. The Oni has well carved facial detail with raised horns and sharp pointed teeth along with inset eyes, claw like fingers, bracelets on either wrist, muscular arms and legs and a belly that sticks out. 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. 

 Oni

 In Japanese folklore, an Oni is a type of demonic creature, often depicted as a fearsome ogre or giant, with great strength and a terrifying appearance. They are generally considered to be of foreign origin, possibly introduced with Buddhism. 

 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: Meiji, 1880.

Technique: Carved, engraved and accented with ochre ink.

Signature: Signed in the bottom in a red lacquer square cartouche with two Japanese characters.

Weight: 159.5 Grams, (0.16 Kg).

Measurements: 136 mm by 53 mm by 55 mm (5.35 x 2.1 x 2.15 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: D070625VCEN/.7845