A Japanese ivory okimono of a dragonfish by Unknown artist
Scroll to zoom, click for slideshow

A Japanese ivory okimono of a dragonfish 19th century

Unknown artist

BoneIvory
30 cm
Currently unavailable via Gallerease

Zebregs & Röell - Fine Art - Antiques

  • About the artwork

    An okimono  (Japanese:  置物) is a Japanese ornament. The term is composed of the words  oku (置) and  mono (物), meaning 'places' and 'thing' respectively. An okimono has a purely aesthetic function. Traditionally, an okimono is placed in a tokonoma (alcove) or in a butsudan (family altar). During the Meiji period (1868–1912), a large number of okimonos were exported to the West.


    19th century okimono with Kinko on the back of the carp
    An okimono can be made of earthenware, metal, carved wood or ivory. It is usually eight to thirty centimeters in size, but is always larger than a netsuke; a cut belt knot.


    An okimono can depict all kinds of subjects, such as animals, mythological creatures, people, gods, fruits or vegetables. Some okimonos combine multiple subjects. The okimono can depict a daily scene or a legend.


     


    Meiji-period, 19th century L. 30 cm Made of bone and ivory, on modern stand.

  • About the artist

    It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

    Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

    As well you can find the following description:

    •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

    •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

    •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

    •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

    •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

    •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

    •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

    •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist

Are you interested in buying this artwork?

Artwork details

Category
Subject
Material & Technique
Colour