Japanese Carved Bone Okimono of a Seated Buddha Circa 1910

A superb early 20th-century Japanese carved bone okimono depicting the seated Buddha upon an elegantly carved raised plinth. The base is ornamented with a continuous band of finely carved beads enclosed by scrolling foliate decoration, providing a richly textured setting for the serene figure.

The Buddha is portrayed with a joyful, benevolent expression, holding a string of prayer beads in one hand while delicately gathering the folds of his robe with the other. The quality of the carving is exceptional, with beautifully modelled facial features, crisply defined drapery, and an impressive level of finely engraved surface decoration. Traces of the original hand-applied red, green and brown pigments remain, lending warmth and depth to the composition while highlighting the remarkable precision of the engraving.

Demonstrating the ingenuity of Japanese carving workshops during the Meiji and Taishō periods, the sculpture is of sophisticated multi-piece construction, comprising individually carved bone elements expertly assembled over a timber core. This complex method of construction allowed the craftsman to achieve a remarkable level of sculptural detail while ensuring the stability of the finished work.

Okimono of this quality embody the extraordinary technical mastery and artistic refinement for which Japanese decorative arts of the late Meiji and early Taishō era are celebrated. Their combination of virtuoso carving, intricate engraved decoration and sophisticated construction has made them increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese art and fine Oriental works of art.

The underside bears the artist's signature.

Japanese, circa 1910

Dimensions: Height 13.5 cm × Width 13 cm × Depth 12 cm.

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

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07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

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