What is a bronze okimono?

An okimono is a freestanding Japanese sculpture made for indoor display rather than ritual use. Bronze versions portray subjects like elephants, tigers and monkeys with high detail. These pieces sit on tables or cabinets as decorative ornaments, reflecting the naturalistic shift in Japanese art during the late 19th century.

How do I identify a Meiji animal sculpture?

Look for dynamic animal postures, realistic anatomical details and materials such as patinated bronze, boxwood or hardwood. Many items date from the late 19th or early 20th century. Signatures or seals on the underside or base often indicate the foundry or artist responsible for the casting or carving.

Were these animals meant to be incense burners?

Some metal animal forms function as incense burners, known as koro, where the creature's head lifts off to reveal a bowl for burning aromatics. These combine sculptural realism with practical utility. Most animal subjects, however, remain solid sculptures or okimono created solely for visual appreciation.

What materials appear in these carvings?

Woodcarvers utilise boxwood and various hardwoods to produce detailed netsuke and animal studies of frogs, rodents and rabbits. Metalworkers favour bronze, frequently adding gold inlay or ivory tusks. Porcelain figures also emerge from kilns such as Mikawachi, depicting horses and dogs in traditional glazes.

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Antique Meiji Animal

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These antique meiji animal pieces capture birds, beasts and monkeys with distinct realism, offering collectors tactile bronze casting and fine wood carving.

1900 - 1920

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Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Elephant

From Millers Antiques

£950

FOR SALE

sculptures

19th century

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Japanese Bronze Puppy

From David Robinson Antiques

£1,200

FOR SALE

sculptures

Japanese Silk Textile by Iida Takashimaya Company

19th century

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Japanese Silk Textile by Iida Takashimaya Company

From Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

£12,500

FOR SALE

art

19th century

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Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Monkeys.

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£3,200

FOR SALE

sculptures

19th century

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Japanese Tiger Wooden Sculpture

From Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

£350

FOR SALE

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Antique Meiji Animal

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Elephant

Japanese Bronze Puppy

Japanese Silk Textile by Iida Takashimaya Company

Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Monkeys.

Japanese Tiger Wooden Sculpture

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