+Japan 1890 Meiji Period Signed Okimono Sculpture Of A Group Of Skeletons Smoking
Sculptural 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 mammoth ivory okimono was carefully carved depicting a group of three intricately and realistically rendered carousing skeletons (Gaikotsu) in relax and resting position, drinking and smoking. Two of them, probably males representations are resting on a wicker sofa. The third, is a woman seated in a lower stool offering drinking cups of sake on a round tray. A small rectangular bench is arranged in the scene.
The composition is displayed on a four-legged 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 209.55 mm by 196.85 mm by 127.76 mm (8.25 x 7.75 x 5.03 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.
