Skip to main content

Japanese Art Octopus

An Amusing Japanese Netsuke in the Form of an Octopus, Taisho Period (1912-1925)
An Amusing Japanese Netsuke in the Form of an Octopus, Taisho Period (1912-1925)

An Amusing Japanese Netsuke in the Form of an Octopus, Taisho Period (1912-1925)

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

The hand carved & stained boxwood netsuke deftly rendered in the form of an octopus with somewhat anthropomorphic features, showing black stained eyes & furrowed brow effecti...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood

Cheetahpus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Cheetah Patterned Octopus
Cheetahpus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Cheetah Patterned Octopus

Cheetahpus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Cheetah Patterned Octopus

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

No, just an imaginative artist creating a Gyo-Tako print of large octopus by Jeff Conroy entitled "Cheetahpus". To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus usi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Recent Sales

Sensational Japanese Wood & Lacquer Octopus Group - Iki Ningyo
Sensational Japanese Wood & Lacquer Octopus Group - Iki Ningyo

Sensational Japanese Wood & Lacquer Octopus Group - Iki Ningyo

Located in Christchurch, GB

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this quite dramatic Meiji Period 1868-1912, carved wood and lacquered figural group depicting a battle betwe...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

19th Century Monkeys and Octopus Japanese Boxwood Sculpture Okimono Signed
19th Century Monkeys and Octopus Japanese Boxwood Sculpture Okimono Signed

19th Century Monkeys and Octopus Japanese Boxwood Sculpture Okimono Signed

Located in MILANO, IT

A Japanese sculpture okimono finely carved representing a group of monkeys trying to escape from an octopus beneath them. Very unusual piece because of the boxwood size. Monkeys and ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Horn, Boxwood

Japanese Octopus Water Dropper, c. 1830s
Japanese Octopus Water Dropper, c. 1830s

Japanese Octopus Water Dropper, c. 1830s

Sold

H 3.15 in W 5.12 in D 2.37 in

Japanese Octopus Water Dropper, c. 1830s

Located in Brisbane, QLD

A Japanese Hirado ware water dropper used in calligraphy dating to the Edo Period (1603-1868). The whimsical, molded design features an array of sea creatures and shells on the base ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Signed Japanese Carved Wood Octopus Inro Ojime Netsuke
Signed Japanese Carved Wood Octopus Inro Ojime Netsuke

Signed Japanese Carved Wood Octopus Inro Ojime Netsuke

Located in Nottingham, GB

Signed Japanese Carved Wood Octopus Inro Ojime Netsuke Very good condition. From a private collection. Free international shipping.

Category

20th Century Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood

Japan Old Hand-Painted Blue and White Karakusa Octopus Vine Flowers Vase
Japan Old Hand-Painted Blue and White Karakusa Octopus Vine Flowers Vase

Japan Old Hand-Painted Blue and White Karakusa Octopus Vine Flowers Vase

Located in South Burlington, VT

Here's a beautiful and unique way to accent your indoor space with this very unusual treasure found in Japan! This is a finely crafted, hand-painted Arita blue and white ceramic ...

Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Blue Ringed Octopus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting w/ Yellow & Blue
Blue Ringed Octopus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting w/ Yellow & Blue

Blue Ringed Octopus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting w/ Yellow & Blue

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

Jeff Conroy Blue Ringed Octopus sumi ink and watercolor on mulberry paper 37h x 25w in 93.98h x 63.50w cm JEC065 Gyotaku - A Japanese word translated from "gyo" meaning fish and "ta...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Paintings

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Blue Bayou - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large Blue Octopus
Blue Bayou - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large Blue Octopus

Blue Bayou - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large Blue Octopus

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyo-Tako print of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Blue Bayou".

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Red Rising - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print, Large Red Orange Octopus
Red Rising - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print, Large Red Orange Octopus

Red Rising - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print, Large Red Orange Octopus

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyo-Tako print of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Red Rising" To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus using traditional sumi i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Black Cherry - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large, Deep Red Octopus
Black Cherry - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large, Deep Red Octopus

Black Cherry - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large, Deep Red Octopus

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyo-Tako print of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Black Cherry" To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus using traditional sumi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot
Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot

Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot

Located in South Burlington, VT

A recent Japanese acquisition Rarely seen, this Japanese octopus fishing pot was used to trap octopus on old Japan's high seas coastline areas.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Japanese Meiji Signed Bronze Octopus
Japanese Meiji Signed Bronze Octopus

Japanese Meiji Signed Bronze Octopus

Sold

H 0.99 in W 2.56 in D 2.56 in

Japanese Meiji Signed Bronze Octopus

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A stunning antique Japanese Meiji bronze octopus figure signed to the base and dating between 1868 and 1912. The octopus is very finely cast with excellent detail with its rounded bo...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot
Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot

Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot

Located in South Burlington, VT

It is an actual fishing pot used in octopus fishing in early Japan. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pottery

Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot
Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot

Japanese Antique Octopus Fishing Pot

Located in South Burlington, VT

A recent Japanese acquisition Rarely seen, this Japanese octopus fishing pot was used to trap octopus on old Japan's high seas coastline areas.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pottery

Japanese Old Vintage Glazed Octopus Signed Vase
Japanese Old Vintage Glazed Octopus Signed Vase

Japanese Old Vintage Glazed Octopus Signed Vase

Located in South Burlington, VT

A recent Japanese acquisition Rarely seen, this Japanese octopus vase was hand crafted by a highly talented Seto ware potter.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pottery

Japan Old Hand Painted Blue and White Karakusa Octopus Vine Flowers Vase
Japan Old Hand Painted Blue and White Karakusa Octopus Vine Flowers Vase

Japan Old Hand Painted Blue and White Karakusa Octopus Vine Flowers Vase

Located in South Burlington, VT

Here's a beautiful and unique way to accent your indoor space with this very unusual treasure found in Japan! This is a finely crafted, hand painted Arita blue and white ceramic ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Ascending Blue - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting of Large Blue Octopus
Ascending Blue - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting of Large Blue Octopus

Ascending Blue - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting of Large Blue Octopus

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyotaku painting of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Ascending Blue" To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus using traditional ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Paintings

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Reclining Nude Blue Ring  - Octopus in Gyotaku Style, Japanese Sumi Ink Painting
Reclining Nude Blue Ring  - Octopus in Gyotaku Style, Japanese Sumi Ink Painting

Reclining Nude Blue Ring - Octopus in Gyotaku Style, Japanese Sumi Ink Painting

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyotaku painting of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Reclining Nude Blue Ring" To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus using tr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Paintings

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Mint Julep - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large Green Octopus
Mint Julep - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large Green Octopus

Mint Julep - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Painting, Large Green Octopus

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyo-Tako print of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Mint Julip".

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Red Retreats - Gyo-Tako Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print of a Large Octopus
Red Retreats - Gyo-Tako Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print of a Large Octopus

Red Retreats - Gyo-Tako Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print of a Large Octopus

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyo-Tako print of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Red Retreats" To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus using traditional sumi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Purple Pus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print, Octopus w Blue, Violet, Pink
Purple Pus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print, Octopus w Blue, Violet, Pink

Purple Pus - Gyotaku Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print, Octopus w Blue, Violet, Pink

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyo-Tako print of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Purple Pus" To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus using traditional sumi i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

Red Rover - Gyo-Tako Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print of a Large Red Orange Octopus
Red Rover - Gyo-Tako Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print of a Large Red Orange Octopus

Red Rover - Gyo-Tako Style Japanese Sumi Ink Print of a Large Red Orange Octopus

By Jeff Conroy

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gyo-Tako print of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Red Rover" To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus using traditional sumi in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper

People Also Browsed

Japanese Wooden Netsuke Cicada 1900 Meiji Sekisen
Japanese Wooden Netsuke Cicada 1900 Meiji Sekisen

Japanese Wooden Netsuke Cicada 1900 Meiji Sekisen

$593

H 1.19 in W 2.17 in D 1.07 in

Japanese Wooden Netsuke Cicada 1900 Meiji Sekisen

Located in Paris, FR

This is an antique wooden netsuke made in Japan around Meiji period 1900s. The signature is written on the back side 'Sekisen'. Netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Japanese Wooden Netsuke 1920s 'Mouse' Taisho era
Antique Japanese Wooden Netsuke 1920s 'Mouse' Taisho era

Antique Japanese Wooden Netsuke 1920s 'Mouse' Taisho era

Located in Paris, FR

This is an antique wooden netsuke made in Japan around Taisho period 1920s. Netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fas...

Category

Vintage 1920s Japanese Taisho Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese Wooden Netsuke 'Mouse and Hand cart' 1960s 'Masaoka'
Japanese Wooden Netsuke 'Mouse and Hand cart' 1960s 'Masaoka'

Japanese Wooden Netsuke 'Mouse and Hand cart' 1960s 'Masaoka'

Located in Paris, FR

This is an antique wooden netsuke made in Japan around Showa period 1960s. The signature is written on the back side 'Masaoka'. Netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th...

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese Boxwood Inro & Netsuke of Rats and Snakes in Basket
Japanese Boxwood Inro & Netsuke of Rats and Snakes in Basket

Japanese Boxwood Inro & Netsuke of Rats and Snakes in Basket

Located in San Diego, CA

A really nice vintage Japanese boxwood inro and netsuke of rats and snakes on a round basket, circa early 1940s. The piece is well carved with wonderful detail and in very good vint...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood

A Signed Japanese Netsuke of a Monkey Riding a Turtle, Showa Period
A Signed Japanese Netsuke of a Monkey Riding a Turtle, Showa Period

A Signed Japanese Netsuke of a Monkey Riding a Turtle, Showa Period

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

An amusing Showa Period (1926-1989) hand carved hardwood netsuke depicting a monkey riding atop a turtle, the eyes of the monkey inset with cabochon pupils, signed with etched charac...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

Collection of Eight Japanese Amber / Resin / Bakelite Netsukes
Collection of Eight Japanese Amber / Resin / Bakelite Netsukes

Collection of Eight Japanese Amber / Resin / Bakelite Netsukes

$640Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 1.5 in W 1.75 in D 1 in

Collection of Eight Japanese Amber / Resin / Bakelite Netsukes

Located in San Diego, CA

Super cool collection of eight Japanese netsukes made of either amber, resin or bakelite, circa 20th century. There are four figurative netsukes and four of the pieces are highly ani...

Category

20th Century Japanese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Resin, Bakelite

Set of Three Japanese Wood Netsukes
Set of Three Japanese Wood Netsukes

Set of Three Japanese Wood Netsukes

$1,200 / set

H 2 in W 1.5 in D 1 in

Set of Three Japanese Wood Netsukes

Located in Atlanta, GA

Set of three Japanese netsukes carved out of wood with a reddish stained finish, appear to be circa mid-20th century. One depicts a frog holding a trumpet; one a rooster eating grain...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese boxwood netsuke in the form of three toads stacked on each other
Japanese boxwood netsuke in the form of three toads stacked on each other

Japanese boxwood netsuke in the form of three toads stacked on each other

Located in PARIS, FR

Netsuke in boxwood representing a group of three toads, laying on a flat base, inlaid eyes made of water buffalo horn. Signed underneath the platform. The frog (kaeru) is associated ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood

Japanese Edo Period (1603-1868) Skeleton Foetus Netsuke
Japanese Edo Period (1603-1868) Skeleton Foetus Netsuke

Japanese Edo Period (1603-1868) Skeleton Foetus Netsuke

Located in Newark, England

Laying Foetus From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer this Japanese Edo Period Skeleton Netsuke. The Skeleton Netsuke is carved from Boxwood depicting a skeleton in t...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Boxwood

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Animal Heads Figure Meiji Period, 19/20th Century
Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Animal Heads Figure Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Animal Heads Figure Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 11 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980’s. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuize...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese Netsuke in Boxwoord in the form of two chestnut
Japanese Netsuke in Boxwoord in the form of two chestnut

Japanese Netsuke in Boxwoord in the form of two chestnut

Located in PARIS, FR

Boxwood netsuke of two chestnuts, one smaller on top of the larger. Chestnuts are a central part of Japanese culture and gastronomy. Castanea Crenata or Japanese chestnut is an indi...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood

Old Wooden Netsuke 19/20th C Japanese Japan QUAIL Meiji Period
Old Wooden Netsuke 19/20th C Japanese Japan QUAIL Meiji Period

Old Wooden Netsuke 19/20th C Japanese Japan QUAIL Meiji Period

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Description Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 9 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980's. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach va...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Metal, Bronze

A boxwood netsuke depicting a toad on a circular stone millstone, signed Masanao
A boxwood netsuke depicting a toad on a circular stone millstone, signed Masanao

A boxwood netsuke depicting a toad on a circular stone millstone, signed Masanao

Located in Milano, IT

Boxwood netsuke depicting a toad climbing a circular stone millstone. The toad's wrinkled skin is meticulously engraved to create a realistic appearance. The netsuke has a shiny pati...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antiquities

Materials

Boxwood

Antique Edo Netsuke 18/19th C Japanese Japan Ikkosai 'Different world in a cave'
Antique Edo Netsuke 18/19th C Japanese Japan Ikkosai 'Different world in a cave'

Antique Edo Netsuke 18/19th C Japanese Japan Ikkosai 'Different world in a cave'

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Signed Ikkosai - Different world in a cave. It looks like a cave in a human brain. Very interesting Provenance: Collected in the 1980's. From the col...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Ceramics

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Old Wooden Netsuke 19/20th C Japanese Japan Animal on Turtle Meiji Period
Old Wooden Netsuke 19/20th C Japanese Japan Animal on Turtle Meiji Period

Old Wooden Netsuke 19/20th C Japanese Japan Animal on Turtle Meiji Period

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 8 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980's. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen, ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Japanese Art Octopus", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Japanese Art Octopus For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact japanese art octopus you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. If you’re looking for a japanese art octopus from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. If you’re looking to add a japanese art octopus to create new energy in an otherwise neutral space in your home, you can find a work on 1stDibs that features elements of gray, beige, orange and more. There have been many interesting japanese art octopus examples over the years, but those made by Jeff Conroy are often thought to be among the most thought-provoking. Artworks like these — often created in ink, paint and paper — can elevate any room of your home.

How Much is a Japanese Art Octopus?

The average selling price for a japanese art octopus we offer is $2,500, while they’re typically $250 on the low end and $10,897 for the highest priced.