OKIMONO 1890 Japan Meiji Period Carved Sculpture Of Ebisu As Fisherman
Meiji period okimono sculpture of a fisherman.
This is a beautiful antique okimono sculpture, created in the late 19th century during the imperial Japan in the Meiji period, back in the 1890. The rare okimono sculpture has been masterfully carved with engraved details and embellished with inks accents. The sculpture depicts the standing draped figure of a traditional 19th century Japanese fisherman with a fish. 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 Fisherman
A Japanese fisherman in art symbolizes daily life, rustic virtue, and the nation's traditional connection to the sea during rapid modernization. These figures, characterized by hyper realistic details (nets, baskets), represent a nostalgic, romanticized view of labor, or the deity Ebisu, a symbol of fortune. The fisherman often represents Ebisu, the Shinto god of fishermen, prosperity, and wealth, frequently portrayed holding a sea bream. These figures were not merely decorations; they were representations of the "soul" of old Japan, meticulously crafted for both domestic appreciation and export to foreign collectors fascinated by Japanese culture.
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, 1880-1890.
Technique: Carved, engraved, and accented with gray, ochre and black inks.
Signature: Signed at the base in a rectangle red lacquered plaque, with two Japanese characters inside a cartouche translate as NAI ZHI.
Weight: 437.55 Grams, (0.44 Kg.).
Measurements: Approximately 375 mm by 140 mm by 79 mm (14.75 x 5.5 x 3.10 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 was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D030326MAEN/.7781
