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Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei
Sold by Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
sold SA1198928
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2012
Browse dealers 26 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in japanese works of art from the meiji period 1868-1912
  • Trade Associations
    Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art is a registered member of BADA 
Id #SA1198928
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Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei

1900 - 1920
Sold 18 June 2026 · Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
This “Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei” found a buyer.

It was listed by Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

As part of our Japanese works of art collection I am delighted to offer this magnificent Meiji Period (1868-1912) carved hardwood okimono of a wild boar ( inoshishi) complete with its original tomobako, each of which are fully signed by the Imperial Household artist ( Teishitsu Gigei-in) Ishikawa Komei ( 1852-1913) . The incredibly well carved beast sits resplendent upon its haunches, head raised in an alert pose, the rendering of the carved fur and particularly its facial features are instantly recognisable as the work of a very highly skilled artist. The tomobako is fully signed "Ki chokoku, Yacho, gyonen rokujuissai, Komei, with the seals "Teishitsu Gigei In" and "Ishi" for Ishikawa. translating to read "Wood sculpture of a wild boar, made by Komei, at the age of 61"  The underside of the okimono bears a crisply carved seal "Komei no in" the seal of Komei.

Literature :

A key figure in the early history of modern Japanese sculpture, Ishikawa Komei was born into a family of temple craftsman and from the age of ten studied painting for a time under Kano Kazunobu (1816–1863) before training as an ivory carver in the workshop of Kikugawa Masamitsu, a netsuke maker. Starting in 1876 he exhibited his work widely at home and abroad and participated in the interior decoration of imperial palaces. In 1890 he was named Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist-Craftsman to the Imperial Household) and in 1891 he was appointed Professor in the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Art.

The artist passed away in the spring of 1913, according to the tomobako this okimono was carved in 1912.

Another very similar carving also dated 1912 now resides in the Tokyo national museum. It is interesting to note that 1911 was the zodiac year of the boar. It would seem that these examples of wild boar were carved during the last year or so of the artists life.

Condition Report :

Excellent condition throughout.

Approximate Sizes :

Length : 19" 48 cm

Height : 11"  28 cm

Depth : 9"    23 cm

Free fully insured worldwide delivery and a certificte of authenticity are included within the price of this item . EP 95

Date of Manufacture

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this Wooden Boar Okimono to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
28cm (11.02")
Width
48cm (18.90")
Depth
23cm (9.06")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1198928
Dealers Notes

Available during usual business hours 7 days a week by prior appointment only.

Available out of hours for general enquiries : sales@stagsheadantiques.com or steve@steveslyjapaneseart.com

Tel 07774-635918

Description
As part of our Japanese works of art collection I am delighted to offer this magnificent Meiji Period (1868-1912) carved hardwood okimono of a wild boar ( inoshishi) complete with its original tomobako, each of which are fully signed by the Imperial Household artist ( Teishitsu Gigei-in) Ishikawa Komei ( 1852-1913) . The incredibly well carved beast sits resplendent upon its haunches, head raised in an alert pose, the rendering of the carved fur and particularly its facial features are instantly recognisable as the work of a very highly skilled artist.
“
The tomobako is fully signed "Ki chokoku, Yacho, gyonen rokujuissai, Komei, with the seals "Teishitsu Gigei In" and "Ishi" for Ishikawa.
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

translating to read "Wood sculpture of a wild boar, made by Komei, at the age of 61"  The underside of the okimono bears a crisply carved seal "Komei no in" the seal of Komei.

fig 1. A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box.
fig 1. Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei

Literature :

A key figure in the early history of modern Japanese sculpture, Ishikawa Komei was born into a family of temple craftsman and from the age of ten studied painting for a time under Kano Kazunobu (1816–1863) before training as an ivory carver in the workshop of Kikugawa Masamitsu, a netsuke maker. Starting in 1876 he exhibited his work widely at home and abroad and participated in the interior decoration of imperial palaces. In 1890 he was named Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist-Craftsman to the Imperial Household) and in 1891 he was appointed Professor in the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Art.

fig 2. A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box.
fig 2. Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei

The artist passed away in the spring of 1913, according to the tomobako this okimono was carved in 1912.

Another very similar carving also dated 1912 now resides in the Tokyo national museum. It is interesting to note that 1911 was the zodiac year of the boar. It would seem that these examples of wild boar were carved during the last year or so of the artists life.

fig 3. A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box.
fig 3. Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei

Condition Report :

Excellent condition throughout.

Approximate Sizes :

Length : 19" 48 cm

Height : 11"  28 cm

Depth : 9"    23 cm

Free fully insured worldwide delivery and a certificte of authenticity are included within the price of this item . EP 95

Date of Manufacture

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this Wooden Boar Okimono to the 1910s.

Height
28cm (11.02")
Width
48cm (18.90")
Depth
23cm (9.06")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1198928
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2012

Specialists in japanese works of art from the meiji period 1868-1912

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art Profile Page

Trade Associations

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art is a registered member of BADA 

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SAVE
A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. SOLD18 JUN 26
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Archive I A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. SOLD18 JUN 26

Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei

Archive II A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View II
Archive III A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View III
Archive IV A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View IV
Archive V A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View V
Archive VI A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View VI
Archive VII A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View VII
Archive VIII A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View VIII
Archive IX A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View IX
Archive X A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View X
Archive XI A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View XI
Archive XII A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07774 635918
Location
Stags Head Antiques Ltd
Bournemouth
Dorset
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jan 2012
Items For Sale 26
Items Sold 1,668
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Verified Since Jan 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Stags Head Antiques Ltd, Bournemouth , Dorset, United Kingdom
Verified
Jan 2012
For Sale
26
Sold
1,668
A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box.
Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei
Ref: SA1198928
A detailed wooden sculpture of a wild boar accompanied by its storage box.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 11
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculpture
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialWood
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsRealistic fur texture, Detailed facial features, Naturalistic posture
  • SizeH 28 cm (11 in) x W 48 cm (19 in) x D 23 cm (9 in)

An okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative statue or figurine, typically displayed in a home alcove or on a shelf, originating predominantly from the Meiji period.

These pieces were typically hand-carved from dense woods such as boxwood or cherry, often featuring intricate chisel work and inset details to create realistic textures.

Authentic pieces exhibit natural ageing, meticulous hand-carved detailing, artist signatures or seals, and are frequently accompanied by a fitted wooden storage box known as a tomobako.

Position the piece as a focal point on a low-profile surface, allowing minimalist surroundings to emphasise the fine craftsmanship and organic texture.

Keep the sculpture out of direct sunlight and maintain stable indoor humidity levels to prevent timber shrinkage and cracking, dusting gently with a soft dry cloth.
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