What is a meiji okimono?

A meiji okimono is a decorative Japanese sculpture or figurine made for display during the Meiji period. These pieces encompass a wide variety of subjects including animals, deities and human figures. Craftsmen produced them in materials such as bronze, wood, ivory, iron and porcelain. They served as ornamental art rather than utilitarian objects.

Where were they displayed?

These sculptures were traditionally placed in the tokonoma display alcove of a Japanese home. They were positioned where guests could admire the craftsmanship and subject matter. Today, collectors display them on tabletops, shelves and cabinets. Larger bronzes often serve as garden or patio ornaments.

How do I identify a signed piece?

Makers often carved or cast their signatures directly into the base, underside or back of the sculpture. These signatures can appear as Japanese characters inscribed in metal or wood. Researching the specific signature helps attribute the work to a known artisan or workshop active during the period. Unsigned pieces remain common and are judged purely on their sculptural merit.

What subjects are most common?

Animals form a major category, including elephants, tigers, monkeys, birds, insects and aquatic creatures. Figures of scholars, deities like Daikoku and Fukurokuju, and genre scenes of daily life also appear frequently. Many compositions depict dynamic interactions, such as elephants fighting tigers or figures carrying fruit.

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Meiji Okimono

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Meiji okimono are decorative Japanese sculptures and figurines crafted during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to display exceptional metalwork and carving skill.