MEIJI 1890 Presentation Okimono Carved Pigeons In Wood Base Signed By The Artist

Meiji period okimono sculpture of a pair of pigeons.

This is a beautiful okimono sculpture created in the late 19th century during the imperial Japan in the Meiji era period, back in 1880-1890. These okimonos sculpted composition have been carefully carved with fabulous details showing the engraved feathers and wood inlaid eyes. The sculptures depict a pair of standing pigeons presented in a base carved from precious wood. This pair of okimonos is very well executed and retains all the original aged patina of over 100 years old. This stupendous piece will be a great addition for your desk, your Japanese antiques collection, or your bijouterie cabinet. 

Pigeons 

In Japanese culture, pigeons are revered as sacred messengers of Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and archery, appearing in art, family crests, and shrine decorations, particularly at Hachiman shrines where stone pigeon statues often replace traditional guardian lions. While once vital for military communication, today they're common urban birds, but feeding them in public is often discouraged due to hygiene, though some temples like Senso-ji and Yasukuni still host them, symbolizing peace after war or simply as beautiful subjects in art. 

 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.

Period: Imperial Japan, Meiji Period.

Year: Meiji, 1880-1890.

Technique: Carvings, inlaid and engraved.

Signature: They are both signed in the bottom by the artist with two Japanese characters.

Weight: 1,084.50 grams, (1.085 Kg).

Measurements: The pigeons are 100.4 mm by 65 mm by 106.7 mm (3.95 x 2.55 x 4.02 Inches), and the base is 109.3 mm by 114.3 mm by 205.75 mm (4.30 x 4.50 x 8.01 Inches).

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

Condition: The overall condition of this Pair of pigeon’s okimonos is extraordinary. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage and all parts are secured in their settings. These pieces were carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D011926MONN/.5634