+Japan 1890 Meiji Period Signed Assembling Of Okimono With A Group Of Skeletons Playing
A signed Okimono from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912).
Very rare, unusual and large sculptural assembling of a dysplaying piece of okimono. Created in Japan during the imperial period of the Meiji (1868-1912). This extraordinary piece was carefully carved from natural Mammoth ivory okimono, depicting a group of four intricately and realistically rendered carousing males skeletons representations (Gaikotsu) standing in several position.
One skeleton is crouched down playing with mouses in the floor. The second is seated resting in the other's back, peacefully smoking opium. The others two are fully standing in interacting position. The entire composition is arranged freely displayed on the wood base including a woven basket, apparently with food and four playfull mouses.
There are an extra five mouses in different positions, freely playing around, all of them with the eyes accented with carved black ebony.
The composition is displayed on a four-legged free form carved wood platform with an inlaid red plaque engraved with the artist's signature. The level of detail and the quality of the carving is truly exceptional.
Has an exact measurements of 216.15 mm by 139.7 mm by 359.41 mm (8.51 x 5.5 x 14.15 Inches).
After an extensive collection of data, comparables and references to this piece, we have only been able to find only three okimono sculptures like this, with similar themes and the same quality of work.
References Note: A similar carving of four skeletons playing an animated game of dominos, signed Shutaro in an inlaid rectangular red plaque, was sold in London by Christie’s South Kensington in October 14 2014, Lot 120 Sale 5546.
References Note: A similar carving with four skeletons in an otherwise typical victorian scene of a photographer and three sitters signed Shutaro in an inlaid rectangular red plaque, was sold in Edinburgh at Lyon & Turnbull in November 7, 2018.
References Note: A similar carving with five skeletons seated, playing cards and drinking, was sold in London by John Nicholson Fine Art on September 26, 2018.
Okimono, 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.
Gaikotsu, meaning skeleton often appears in ancient Japanese myths and Youkai drawings. Skeleton with only human bones are called "sharekoube". Some of other famous skeleton based Youkai are Gasha Dokuro, Honeonna and Kyoukotsu.
Important Note: Regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory, we are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer, we don't hunt, knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with cites that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is exceptional with no missing or broken parts, not even show any restoration. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
