How do I identify a Meiji period piece?

Meiji period pieces date between 1868 and 1912, a time when Japanese metalworkers and carvers catered extensively to international collectors. Look for naturalistic proportions, dynamic poses and sophisticated patination on bronzes. Many works from this window carry artist signatures carved into the wood or cast directly into the metal base. The level of intricate detail is typically very high.

Where were okimono displayed?

These figures were placed in domestic settings, often upon a tokonoma alcove shelf or within a dedicated display cabinet. They were intended to spark conversation and reflect the refined taste of the household. Larger scaled bronze figures, such as elephants or dragons, were sometimes positioned in gardens or entrance halls.

Are these figures signed by artists?

Certain pieces bear artist signatures or workshop marks, incised into the wood or stamped into the bronze. Signatures provide a direct link to known makers and important Meiji period workshops. Unsigned pieces remain common and are judged purely on their sculptural quality, material and execution.

Home > Japanese Okimono Figure > Page 2

Japanese Okimono Figure

45 items · page 2 of 3

← Page 2 of 3 →

When you want a Japanese okimono figure, you are looking for a standalone decorative carving or casting that displays extraordinary detail and natural observation.

19th century

Save

19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese Bronze French Bulldog

From Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

£275

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

19th century

Save

19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese Bronze Rhinoceros Beetle

From Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

£275

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

19th century

Save

19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese Bronze Articulated Bronze Centipede

From Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

£245

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Wood Netsuke / Okimono of Ebisu with Tai Fish – Signed Tomochika

19th century

Save

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Wood Netsuke / Okimono of Ebisu with Tai Fish – Signed Tomochika

From Sandbanks Antiques

£1,450

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

Japanese Meiji Period Carved Hardwood Okimono of a Man Circa 1890 72cm High

19th century

Save

Japanese Meiji Period Carved Hardwood Okimono of a Man Circa 1890 72cm High

From Robert Belcher Antiques

£4,650

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

Large Japanese Satsuma Elephant Okimono Signed Kizan

19th century

Save

Large Japanese Satsuma Elephant Okimono Signed Kizan

From Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

£6,850

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

A Miniature Japanese Carved Bamboo Okimono Circa 1900

1900 - 1920

Save

A Miniature Japanese Carved Bamboo Okimono Circa 1900

From Robert Belcher Antiques

£375

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

A Large Meiji Period Bronze Figure of a Crouching Lion Signed Seiunsai Miyamoto Sei

19th century

Save

A Large Meiji Period Bronze Figure of a Crouching Lion Signed Seiunsai Miyamoto Sei

From Sandbanks Antiques

£4,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

Important Japanese Iron Okimono - Unno Shomin 1844-1915

19th century

Save

Important Japanese Iron Okimono - Unno Shomin 1844-1915

From Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

£78,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

A Delightful Set of 3 Japanese Hirado Puppies

1900 - 1920

Save

A Delightful Set of 3 Japanese Hirado Puppies

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£385

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Among the menagerie of tigers, eagles and elephants, a bronze rhinoceros beetle and a tarantula spider prove that Meiji carvers held a profound fascination for the smallest creatures.