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Japanese Antique (1919) Taisho Bronze Okimono of Two Turtles, Style of Murata Seimin
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1112611
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 35 items
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Id #SA1112611
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Japanese Antique (1919) Taisho Bronze Okimono of Two Turtles, Style of Murata Seimin

1900 - 1920
Sold 26 February 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Japanese Antique (1919) Taisho Bronze Okimono of Two Turtles, Style of Murata Seimin” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. 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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Bronze Okimono SculptureBronze Sculpture Statue Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Japanese antique Taisho (1919) bronze okimono of two turtles, in the style of Murata Seimin (1781-1837). It is inscribed with the words ‘Taisho, 12th October 1919’ and signed Amamiya Shoun with a foundry mark. Large turtle measures 44cm long x 21cm deep x 12cm high, smaller 32cm x 18cm x 10cm, weight 8.15kg and 3.75kg respectively (total 11.9kg).

Excellent condition and patina. Would make a wonderful garden ornament.

Murata Seimin I was the first of a long line of bronze craftsmen who specialized in precise bronze sculpting using the lost-wax method. Much of his work was of Buddhist subjects, such as the casting of 500 arhats (disciples of the Buddha) at Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura. His other work included vases and ornaments, and he was famed for his studies of turtles/tortoises.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Turtle Okimono to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
12cm (4.72")
Width
44cm (17.32")
Depth
21cm (8.27")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1112611
Dealers Internal Reference
AD880
Description
Japanese antique Taisho (1919) bronze okimono of two turtles, in the style of Murata Seimin (1781-1837).
“
It is inscribed with the words ‘Taisho, 12th October 1919’ and signed Amamiya Shoun with a foundry mark.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Large turtle measures 44cm long x 21cm deep x 12cm high, smaller 32cm x 18cm x 10cm, weight 8.15kg and 3.75kg respectively (total 11.9kg).

fig 1. A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background.
fig 1. Japanese Antique (1919) Taisho Bronze Okimono of Two Turtles, Style of Murata Seimin

Excellent condition and patina. Would make a wonderful garden ornament.

Murata Seimin I was the first of a long line of bronze craftsmen who specialized in precise bronze sculpting using the lost-wax method. Much of his work was of Buddhist subjects, such as the casting of 500 arhats (disciples of the Buddha) at Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura. His other work included vases and ornaments, and he was famed for his studies of turtles/tortoises.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Turtle Okimono to the 1910s.

Height
12cm (4.72")
Width
44cm (17.32")
Depth
21cm (8.27")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1112611
Dealers Internal Ref
AD880
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 17
Archive I A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Japanese Antique (1919) Taisho Bronze Okimono of Two Turtles, Style of Murata Seimin

Archive II A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View II
Archive III A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View III
Archive IV A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View IV
Archive V A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View V
Archive VI A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View VI
Archive VII A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View VII
Archive VIII A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View VIII
Archive IX A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View IX
Archive X A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View X
Archive XI A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View XI
Archive XII A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View XII
Archive XIII A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View XIII
Archive XIV A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View XIV
Archive XV A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View XV
Archive XVI A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View XVI
Archive XVII A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background. View XVII
Enlarged Archival View
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 783
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background.
Japanese Antique (1919) Taisho Bronze Okimono of Two Turtles, Style of Murata Seimin
Ref: SA1112611
A detailed cast bronze sculpture of two turtles with textured shells and dark patination against a neutral background.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectOkimono
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleTaisho Period Japanese
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsRealistic carapace texture, Naturalistic posture, Detailed limbs and claws
  • SizeH 12 cm (5 in) x W 44 cm (17 in) x D 21 cm (8 in)

FAQs

An okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative object, usually displayed in a tokonoma alcove, designed purely for ornamental appreciation rather than ritual use.

These pieces were typically crafted using traditional lost-wax casting methods in copper alloys, often finished with chemical patination to achieve deep brown or black tones.

Authenticity is determined by examining the weight, quality of the lost-wax casting, natural patination, and the presence of artist signatures or foundry marks on the base.

This piece can be placed on a bookshelf, sideboard, or mantelpiece as a focal point, pairing well with minimalist or eclectic decor to highlight its craftsmanship.

Maintain antique bronze by keeping it in a stable environment away from humidity, dusting gently with a soft microfibre cloth, and avoiding chemical cleaners or polishes that remove the patina.
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