Wood, bone - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Meiji-style Japanese Okimono: porter with bundle, carved wood with bone inlays engraved

Japanese sculpture (okimono) representing an elderly man with a kind, smiling expression, with a large bundle tied to his back on a frame. He wears a short jacket with baggy pants and sandals (waraji) with ankle cuffs.

It is carved in hard wood with pronounced grain. The head, hands, bundle frame, ornamental knot, and the inlaid plates on the clothing are bone. The plates bear polychrome engravings of birds, peonies, and orchids, and medallions with auspicious motifs. The clothing is carved with gold details of waves (seigaiha) and cloud scrolls. The hair is finely carved and painted black, and the eyes are small black inlaid pieces.

Resting on a circular wooden pedestal. The combination of wood carving and inlays is typical of export pieces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Decorative piece of good quality, with expression and detail in the face, hands, and footwear.

Dimensions

• Height: 27 cm
• Base diameter: 8 cm

Material: wood and bone inlays
Origin: Japan
Era: Meiji style (late 19th – early 20th century)
Signature: no visible signature

Good overall condition, with normal signs of age. Small fine cracks in the wood (pedestal, clothing, and leg), with no significant losses visible. Small imperfections on some plates. See photos, which are part of the description.