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A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull with a Feathered Bird Entwined by a Snake
Sold by Sandbanks Antiques
sold SA1153006
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 #SA1153006
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A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull with a Feathered Bird Entwined by a Snake

19th century
Sold 27 January 2026 · Sandbanks Antiques
This “Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull with a Feathered Bird 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 CarvingAntique Okimono FigurineJapanese Antique 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 and a feathered bird on the head, possibly a raven or crow.

The skull is attached to a wooden plinth

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

The vanities are a recurring subject in Japanese art.

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

Height:- 19cm approx

Condition Good

Having great patina

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Late 19th Century

Physical Dimensions
Height
19cm (7.48")
Declaration

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1153006
Description
A very well intricately carved Japanese okimono Meiji Period Bone/Antler of a Skull And Snake entwined and a feathered bird on the head, possibly a raven or crow.

The skull is attached to a wooden plinth

fig 1. A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base.
fig 1. A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of a Skull with a Feathered Bird Entwined by a Snake

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

The vanities are a recurring subject in Japanese art.

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

Height:- 19cm approx

Condition Good

Having great patina

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Late 19th Century

Height
19cm (7.48")
Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1153006
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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A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 12
Archive I A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

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

Archive II A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View II
Archive III A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View III
Archive IV A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View IV
Archive V A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View V
Archive VI A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View VI
Archive VII A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View VII
Archive VIII A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View VIII
Archive IX A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View IX
Archive X A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View X
Archive XI A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View XI
Archive XII A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base. View XII
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
A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base.
A Rare Japanese Okimono Meiji Period Carving of A Skull With a Feathered Bird Entwined By A Snake
Ref: SA1153006
A detailed Meiji period bone okimono depicting a human skull entwined by a snake with a feathered bird atop a dark wooden base.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialBone, Antler
  • ColourOff-White
  • MotifsHuman skull, Serpentine coil, Feathered bird, Textured bone
  • SizeH 19 cm (7 in)

FAQs

An okimono is a traditional Japanese freestanding sculpture, typically displayed in an alcove or on a small stand, which gained significant popularity and artistic refinement during the Meiji period.

Carvings from this era frequently utilised marine ivory, bone, boxwood, and antler, often featuring intricate staining and delicate inlay work.

Authentication involves examining the material grain, patination, tool marks under magnification, and identifying maker signatures or signatures carved into recessed cartouches on the base.

Such objects serve as focal points in curio cabinets, on bookshelves, or atop side tables, contrasting effectively against minimalist backgrounds to highlight their detailed craftsmanship.

These items require stable environmental conditions with moderate humidity and temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to prevent cracking and warping of the material.
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