Japanese Okimono Carving of Man Sharpening Sword
MakerMade by
Ichiensai
DateMeiji Period, 1868 - 1912
Object NameOkimono Figure
Mediumivory
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width x Depth): 50 × 40 × 50mm
AcquisitionBequeathed in 1928 by Miss Ann Reid.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS011228
About MeThis very fine okimono depicting a Japanese swordsmith sharpening a sword was carved from ivory by Ichiensai who was clearly a master at his chosen craft. The figure is so well executed all the lines on the man's face, the hair on his head and the folds of his costume are visible. Every surface has been treated with such skill.Okimono are small sculptures as equally charming as netsuke, albeit they are slightly larger and are purely decorative (netsuke function as a kind of toggle and are worn with traditional Japanese clothing). They were also very much sought after and usually made by the same makers and artists who produced netsuke. As netsuke became obsolete during the late nineteenth century when many Japanese adopted Western dress, these artists concentrated their skills on creating okimono, making the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) the most prolific in okimono production.
More About Me
Okimono are small sculptures, usually slightly larger than netsuke and unlike the latter purely decorative. This warrior sharpening his sword is shown in fine detail
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