Okimono
Okimono ( jap. 置物 , literally: "Aufstellding") are typical Japanese art carvings from the Meiji period . The okimono developed from the netsuke carving when the wearing of European clothing came into fashion in Japan in the 19th century and netsuke, which were part of Japanese kimono, were no longer sold. The now unemployed netsuke carvers began to create larger objects that were very popular in Europe and the USA .
Overview
The size of the Okimono is between 10 and 40 cm, preferably 20 and 30 cm. The preferred material is ivory , boxwood or a combination of both materials. The ivory okimono often stands on a wooden base in the form of a root cut. Most of the artists signed their works on the stand base. However, there are also unsigned works to be found. One of the most famous Okimono-Schitzer was Ishikawa Komai (1852-1913) from Tokyo .
Mythological figures were depicted , in particular the seven gods of luck, heroes of Japanese history, scenes from everyday life as well as saints from Buddhism and gods from Shinto .
The center of the carvers was in and around Tokyo, where the only identifiable style, the so-called Tokyo school, was created. The objects of this style are made from a single piece of ivory, 25 to 35 cm high, represent everyday life and are of the highest quality. Okimono are coveted collectibles and fetch considerable prices at auctions.
