Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this piece to the 1910s.
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
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this piece to the 1910s.
Specialists in japanese works of art from the meiji period 1868-1912
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Japanese Wild Boar Okimono by Imperial Artist- Ishikawa Komei
