As part of our Japanese art collection we are delighted to offer this large pair of Meiji Period 1868-1912 , circa 1900, Bronze Okimonos of Rats holding aloft Japanese vegetables - a turnip and large radish. The leaves of the vegetables form sconces to hold candles. The artist has rendered these Rodents in great detail, with finely carved incised fur, deep black Eyes and patinated Ears. Rats are usually modelled holding a Chestnut and it is rare to be sculpted clutching vegetables.
The rat is the first symbol in the Japanese zodiac. Legend has it that when God called for all animals to attend a New Year’s greeting, the rat arrived there first by secretly traveling on the back of an ox. As rats breed fast, this symbol represents “prosperity of descendants” and “social success”. These Okimonos would make a great gift for a loved one or a further addition to your Japanese works of art collection .
Literature :
Daikoku , one of the seven lucky Gods and the God of good fortune, is usually seen with a Rat as his companion , Rats are deemed to be a symbol of wealth and fertility in Japanese culture .
Condition: The tails have been repaired to both. One may be during manufacture. The repairs are well executed and the rats display well. Otherwise these are in excellent condition.
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We have been collecting and dealing in high quality antiques for many years. Particularly Japanese Art and antique Jewellery.
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Antique Number: SA1152158
Dateline of this antique is 1890
Height is 22cm (8.7inches)
Width is 12cm (4.7inches)
Depth is 0cm (0.0inches)
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