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Okimono Set of Carved Red Apple-Shapped Ivory Figurines with a Wooden Brown Base

About the Item

Okimono set of japanese hand-crafted and hand-carved figurines, in the shape of a pair of realistic red apples showing seeds and stem, made of ivory with a detached brown wooden base By: unknown Materials: ivory, wood Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted Date: late 19th century Style: Meiji Place of origin: Japan Ivory has been used since the earliest times as a material for sculpture of small items, both in Europe and the east, principally China and Japan, where It is believed that it was already used in the 8th century. However, craftwork using ivory is said to have become common in Japan around the 17th century. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning "ornament for display; objet d'art; decorative object", typically displayed in a tokonoma alcove or butsudan altar. They became popular during the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), when many okimono were made for export to the West. An okimono may be a small japanese carving, normally not larger than a few centimeters, purely decorative, and can be made out of wood, ivory, ceramic or metal. They depict all sorts of animals, mythological beasts, humans, gods, fruits, vegetables and objects, sometimes combined with each other, in a variety of positions. In this case, we have a set of two hand-carved and hand-painted okimono. They represent two apples, where each one is meticulously carved from ivory and depicts the characteristic form and texture of the fruit in realism. Subtle details like the apple seeds and stems are portrayed with precision. The pair can be joined by a clasp to create one unified sculpture, so they can sit on a hand-carved, varnished wooden base. Subtle discolorations can be observed on the surface of the apples, as well as some marks related to the passing of time and use, as evidenced in the photos.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Subtle discolorations can be observed on the surface of the apples, as well as some marks related to the passing of time and use, as evidenced in the photos.
  • Seller Location:
    North Miami, FL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8678235544892
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