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ID #SA1152884
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A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull Entwined by a Snake
Sold by Sandbanks Antiques
sold SA1152884
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
Browse dealers 213 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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Id #SA1152884
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A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull Entwined by a Snake

19th century
Sold 27 January 2026 · Sandbanks Antiques
This “Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull Entwined by a Snake” found a buyer.

It was listed by Sandbanks Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Meiji Period ArtAntique Ivory CarvingAntique Okimono Figurine Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

A very well intricately carved Japanese okimono Meiji Period Bone/Antler of a Skull And Snake entwined

The skull is attached to a wooden plinth

Carved in Bone or Antler showing a human skull surmounted by a snake.

The vanities are a recurring subject in Japanese art.

The craftsmanship is very fine, with a high level of detail in all components.

Height:- 11cm approx

Condition Good

Having great patina

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Late 19th Century

Physical Dimensions
Height
11cm (4.33")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Meiji Period Okimono to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1152884
Description
A very well intricately carved Japanese okimono Meiji Period Bone/Antler of a Skull And Snake entwined

The skull is attached to a wooden plinth

Carved in Bone or Antler showing a human skull surmounted by a snake.

fig 1. An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block.
fig 1. A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull Entwined by a Snake

The vanities are a recurring subject in Japanese art.

The craftsmanship is very fine, with a high level of detail in all components.

Height:- 11cm approx

Condition Good

Having great patina

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Late 19th Century

Height
11cm (4.33")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Meiji Period Okimono to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1152884
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull Entwined by a Snake

Archive II An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View II
Archive III An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View III
Archive IV An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View IV
Archive V An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View V
Archive VI An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View VI
Archive VII An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View VII
Archive VIII An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View VIII
Archive IX An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View IX
Archive X An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View X
Archive XI An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View XI
Archive XII An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View XII
Archive XIII An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View XIII
Archive XIV An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View XIV
Archive XV An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View XV
Archive XVI An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View XVI
Archive XVII An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block. View XVII
Enlarged Archival View
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 213
Items Sold 87
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
213
Sold
87
An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block.
A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of A Skull Entwined By A Snake
Ref: SA1152884
An antique carved bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake, mounted on a dark wooden block.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Carvings
  • Period19th century
  • StyleJapanese Meiji
  • MaterialBone, Wood
  • ColourOff-White
  • MotifsHuman skull, Entwined serpent, Detailed scales, Stained patina
  • SizeH 11 cm (4 in)

FAQs

An okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative figurine typically displayed in a home. The Meiji period spans from 1868 to 1912, marking an era of significant modernisation and exceptional craftsmanship in traditional arts.

Carvers during this era frequently utilised ivory, bone, wood, and occasionally metal alloys, often combining delicate hand-carving with natural staining or inlays to achieve intricate surface textures.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit microscopic tool marks, age-related patination, finely detailed cross-hatching, and occasionally an artists signature or seal carved into the base or underside.

These sculptural objects function well as focal points on bookshelves, mantelpieces, or enclosed display cabinets, adding an element of historical curiosity to contemporary design schemes.

Keep organic materials such as bone and ivory away from direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high humidity to prevent warping, cracking, or discoloration.
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