OKIMONO 1910 Japan Meiji Period Carved Sculpture Of A Basket's Seller

Meiji period okimono of a basket’s seller.

This is a beautiful antique okimono sculpture, created in the beginning of the 20th century during the imperial Japan in the Meiji period, back in the 1910. The rare okimono sculpture has been masterfully carved with engraved details and embellished with polychromate accents. The sculpture depicts the standing draped figure of a traditional 19th century Japanese basket's seller. 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. Discover the intricate artistry of Meiji period carvings from Japan, specifically a compelling piece depicting a man selling baskets, created between 1868 and 1912. This remarkable artifact showcases the remarkable skill and cultural significance of Japanese craftsmanship during that era. The detailed work brings history to life, offering a unique glimpse into the social and economic aspects of the time. Such pieces are not just art; they are windows into Japan's rich heritage.

Japanese Basket's Sellers

In Japan, basket sellers and the baskets themselves symbolize a deep connection to nature, the rustic beauty of wabi-sabi (imperfection), and the cultural appreciation for craftsmanship (mingei). Traditionally, bamboo baskets were used in ceremonies, as containers for flowers (hanakago), or in everyday rural life, representing both utilitarian function and artistic expression. Basket sellers, or kojin (makers of things), are often viewed as artisans maintaining traditional skills, particularly in rural areas. 

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.

 Country: Imperial Japan.

 Year: Meiji period, 1910.

Technique: Carved, engraved, polychromate and accented with gray ink.

Signature: Signed in the bottom by engraving in red ink, with two Japanese characters inside an oval cartouche.

Weight: 754.70 Grams, (0.76 Kg.).

Measurements: 210 mm by 156 mm by 104 mm (8.25 x 6.15 x 4.1Inches).

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: D020126MTEN/.7856