What is a kibori kuma?

A kibori kuma is a traditional Japanese wooden carved bear, frequently depicted with a fish in its mouth or posed with a cub. These items stem from folk art traditions and date predominantly to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Collectors prize them for their distinct regional character and direct carving methods. They range from small tabletop figures to larger statement sculptures.

How were netsuke used?

Netsuke functioned as toggles on the cords of traditional pouches and containers suspended from kimono sashes. They prevented the container from slipping. Carved from dense boxwood and other hardwoods, these small objects were shaped to be tactile and smooth from handling. Their designs feature animals, nuts, and figurative subjects.

What is a hibachi table?

A hibachi table is a low wooden piece of furniture incorporating a central hearth used for holding hot charcoal. They served practical heating and social functions in traditional rooms. Constructed from wood and sometimes paired with copper or iron elements, these tables combine furniture design with functional metalwork. They date across the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

How do I identify Meiji period pieces?

Meiji period items often show a high degree of naturalistic carving and technical precision in materials like boxwood and cedar. This era coincided with an opening of trade that influenced decorative arts. Pieces from this time range from intricate netsuke and okimono to decorative wall plaques. Examining the depth of the carving and the grain of the wood helps place them in this era.

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Japanese Wooden Art

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Japanese wooden art brings together intricate carvings and functional furniture from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, offering a tangible link to traditional craftsmanship.