An okimono is a small decorative Japanese sculpture that was popular during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and continues to be created by artisans today. Okimono translates to "object for display" and is typically made from materials such as ivory, wood, bronze, and ceramics.

The tradition of Japanese sculpture dates back thousands of years, but the okimono as a distinct form emerged during the Meiji period, which saw a period of rapid modernization and increased contact with the West. Okimonos were created as decorative objects to be displayed in the home, often depicting animals, mythological creatures, or scenes from daily life.

Okimonos were made by skilled craftsmen and were highly prized for their intricate detail and craftsmanship. They were often signed by the artist, and many were created for export to Western markets, where they were in high demand among collectors.

During the Meiji period, Japan experienced a surge of more...

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Antique Japanese ivory fisherman okimono on timber base, c1920,…

Japanese Ivory Fisherman Okimono, c1920

Antique Japanese ivory fisherman okimono on timber base, c1920, signed to base, height 6 cm approx, (some losses)

Signed ivory okimono man playing with two children (slight base…

Ivory Man with Children Okimono

Signed ivory okimono man playing with two children (slight base chip)

A carved lapis lazuli okimono 'Monkey and fruit'

Lapis Lazuli Monkey and Fruit Carving

A carved lapis lazuli okimono 'Monkey and fruit'

Japanese antique carved Okimono, C:1920, gentleman with a…

Japanese Carved Okimono of Gentleman with Animal, 1920

Japanese antique carved Okimono, C:1920, gentleman with a animal, height 4 cm approx

Antique Japanese Meiji period carved ivory okimono depicting a…

Meiji Ivory Man with Basket Okimono on Stand

Antique Japanese Meiji period carved ivory okimono depicting a man holding a basket, attached to wooden stand, 13 cm high approx. This item may not be exported .

Antique Japanese Meiji period carved ivory okimono depicting a…

Meiji period ivory okimono of man with staff and scroll

Antique Japanese Meiji period carved ivory okimono depicting a man holding a scroll in his left hand and a staff in his right, signed to base, 10.5 cm high. This item may not be exported.

Antique Japanese ivory figural okimono, C1920, height 5 cm…

Japanese Ivory Figural Okimono, C1920, 5cm Height

Antique Japanese ivory figural okimono, C1920, height 5 cm approx, Ex: Sydney private collection

A small vintage ivory okimono of a sleeping figure, with much…

Vintage Ivory Sleeping Figure Okimono

A small vintage ivory okimono of a sleeping figure, with much patination, an older male figure curled in his robe, signed, underside, height 3.5 cm

Three ivory okimono, child with crane, child with sack & other

Ivory Child Okimonos with Crane and Sack

Three ivory okimono, child with crane, child with sack & other

Carved Japanese okimono 6 cm high, with cord and tassle attached

Japanese Okimono with Cord and Tassel

Carved Japanese okimono 6 cm high, with cord and tassle attached

Vintage Japanese carved ivory okimono figure, standing sage…

Japanese Ivory Sage Figure

Vintage Japanese carved ivory okimono figure, standing sage figure, signed to base. Height 5 cm approx.

A Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s…

Japanese Erotic Ivory Okimono, Taisho Period

A Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s the shunga okimono of an actively amorous couple at play, realistically carved, reversible, with engraved and inked highlights to the hair. Width 6 cm

Antique Japanese stained ivory temple dog Okimono,

Stained Ivory Japanese Temple Dog Okimono

Antique Japanese stained ivory temple dog Okimono,

Japanese carved ivory Seated Man okimono height 4 cm approx.

Tiny Japanese Ivory Seated Man Okimono

Japanese carved ivory Seated Man okimono height 4 cm approx.

Japanese carved ivory okimono seated man with batons, signed to…

Carved Ivory Seated Man with Batons

Japanese carved ivory okimono seated man with batons, signed to base. Height 6 cm

Antique Japanese carved ivory okimono figure, standing woman…

Japanese Ivory Okimono Figure: Woman and Child

Antique Japanese carved ivory okimono figure, standing woman with child, signed to base. Height 5 cm approx.

A small Japanese ivory okimono of a man, standing holding a…

Japanese Ivory Okimono with Lantern and Smoking Accessories

A small Japanese ivory okimono of a man, standing holding a paper lantern, a tabako-ire and kiseruzutsu at his feet. Two character signature on inlaid red lacquer table under the base. Height 7.2 cm

A small Japanese ivory okimono, of a warrior standing amongst a…

Japanese Ivory Warrior Okimono

A small Japanese ivory okimono, of a warrior standing amongst a rocky outcrop, width 4.5 cm

Japanese carved ivory okimono, of demon on bat

Demon on Bat Ivory Okimono

Japanese carved ivory okimono, of demon on bat

Ivory okimono, fisherman with catch

Fisherman's Ivory Catch

Ivory okimono, fisherman with catch

Signed ivory okimono, two goldfish

Golden Fish: Signed Ivory Okimono

Signed ivory okimono, two goldfish

Japanese carved ivory okimono, finely carved in the form of an…

Japanese Ivory Okimono: Elderly Man and Attendant

Japanese carved ivory okimono, finely carved in the form of an elderly man holding a hat, with attendant at feet kneeling, signed, height 4.5 cm

An antique ivory okimono of a man with a staff, Meiji period,…

Meiji Ivory Elder with Staff Okimono

An antique ivory okimono of a man with a staff, Meiji period, late 19th century, an elder with a happy disposition, in a finely engraved and inked cape decorated with stripes and leaves, upon a base, height 8 cm

Japanese carved ivory okimono seated man with batons, signed to…

Japanese Ivory Seated Man with Batons

Japanese carved ivory okimono seated man with batons, signed to base, height 5 cm approx.

Japanese carved timber rat okimono signed to base, width 9 cm

Japanese Carved Rat Okimono, Signed, 9cm Width

Japanese carved timber rat okimono signed to base, width 9 cm

Signed ivory okimono carved with eight immortal masks

Eight Masked Ivory Okimono of Immortals

Signed ivory okimono carved with eight immortal masks

Japanese ivory okimono. Carved ivory cylinder surmounted by…

Japanese Ivory Okimono with Blister Pearl

Japanese ivory okimono. Carved ivory cylinder surmounted by blister pearl. Some damage. Height 5.5 cm

A Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, 20th century, 4.5 cm…

Japanese Erotic Ivory Okimono, 20th Century

A Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, 20th century, 4.5 cm high

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period,…

Japanese Erotic Ivory Okimono

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s the shunga okimono of a man and woman in an embrace, with finely engraved and stained highlights, two-character mark under clothing. Height 4 cm, width 5.5 cm

A signed carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s the…

Taisho Era Erotic Ivory Okimono

A signed carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s the two-piece carving of a man and woman in an embrace, with finely engraved and stained highlights, two-character mark to base. Width 4 cm

A vintage ivory okimono of two tigers, Showa period, mid 20th…

Vintage Ivory Tiger Okimono with Cub

A vintage ivory okimono of two tigers, Showa period, mid 20th century, a tiger with cub prowling upon rocky and vegetated ground, the figures in a roughcast finish with inked stripes, signed underside, height 12 cm

A finely carved ivory okimono of many faces, Meiji period,…

Meiji Ivory Okimono with Seven Joyful Faces

A finely carved ivory okimono of many faces, Meiji period, 1868-1912, seven conjoined and individually carved faces each with happy dispositions, width 4 cm

A finely carved ivory okimono of many faces, Meiji period,…

Smiling Faces Okimono

A finely carved ivory okimono of many faces, Meiji period, 1868-1912, seven conjoined and individually carved faces each with happy dispositions, length 4 cm

A Japanese marine ivory okimono, of a mask carver and child…

Japanese Ivory Okimono Mask Carver with Child and Buaku Mask

A Japanese marine ivory okimono, of a mask carver and child with a buaku mask. On wooden stand. Signed. Length 9 cm

Japanese carved ivory okimono figure standing figure with child,…

Japanese Ivory Okimono Figure with Child, Signed

Japanese carved ivory okimono figure standing figure with child, signed to base, height 5 cm approx.

A Japanese carved ivory small okimono of a sleeping Buddha, his…

Sleeping Buddha on Drum Ivory Okimono

A Japanese carved ivory small okimono of a sleeping Buddha, his head resting upon a large slit drum, finely carved and stained detail to his robe. Length 4.3 cm

A vintage ivory okimono of a Sumo type figure, a well carved,…

Ink-Engraved Ivory Sumo Okimono

A vintage ivory okimono of a Sumo type figure, a well carved, inked and engraved figure of a corpulent middle aged figure with a furrowed brow wearing an open kimono and carrying a double gourd and a sack over his shoulder, signed underside, height 5 cm

An ivory Okimono, Meiji Period (1868-1911). 20 cm high.

Meiji Ivory Okimono, 20 cm

An ivory Okimono, Meiji Period (1868-1911). 20 cm high.

Antique Japanese carved ivory okimono of a curled up man.

Curled Up Ivory Okimono of Japanese Man

Antique Japanese carved ivory okimono of a curled up man.

Antique Japanese Meiji period carved ivory okimono depicting a…

Meiji Ivory Performer Okimono

Antique Japanese Meiji period carved ivory okimono depicting a performer, signed to base, 5.5 cm, high. This item may not be exported without CITES documentation

Japanese carved ivory okimono carved bats to vegetable piece.…

Miniature Ivory Bat and Vegetable Okimono

Japanese carved ivory okimono carved bats to vegetable piece. Height 3.5 cm

A carved and signed okimono of a man accompanied by a crane,…

Man and Crane Okimono with Signature, Early 20th Century

A carved and signed okimono of a man accompanied by a crane, early 20th century, a bearded figure in a kimono holding a fan and a broomstick accompanied by a red crested crane, lightly engraved with touches of colour, two character signature to base, with…

A small antique ivory okimono of a man, Meiji period, 1868-1912,…

Meiji Period Ivory Okimono of Seated Man

A small antique ivory okimono of a man, Meiji period, 1868-1912, the expressive figure of a seated man in a lightly engraved and inked robe, unsigned, as found, height 6 cm

A vintage ivory okimono of a tiger, Showa period, mid 20th…

Vintage Ivory Tiger Okimono

A vintage ivory okimono of a tiger, Showa period, mid 20th century, the seated figure of a growling tiger with claws extended and tail curled over its back, lightly engraved to depict stripes, with black bead eyes, height 6 cm

Japanese carved ivory okimono, depicting a figure leaning…

Japanese Ivory Horseback Rider Okimono

Japanese carved ivory okimono, depicting a figure leaning forward and riding on horseback, accented with coloured pigment, signature to base, length 6 cm

A vintage ivory okimono of a Buddha face, mid 20th century, the…

Mid-century Ivory Buddha Face Okimono

A vintage ivory okimono of a Buddha face, mid 20th century, the jovial well detailed face with pendulous lobes, signed to the reverse, length 4.5 cm

Japanese carved ivory okimono, depicting a man seated with legs…

Japanese Ivory Okimono: Seated Man with Branch and Knife

Japanese carved ivory okimono, depicting a man seated with legs crossed, holding a branch in one hand and a knife in the other, wearing robes incised with geometric motifs, height 5 cm

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period,…

Japanese Erotic Ivory Okimono, Taisho Period

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s the shunga okimono of a man and woman in an embrace, with finely engraved and stained highlights, two-character mark to the underside. Height 6.5 cm

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period,…

Japanese Erotic Ivory Okimono, Taisho Period

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s the shunga okimono of a man and woman in an embrace, with finely engraved and stained highlights, two-character mark under clothing. Width 5 cm

A small Japanese ivory rabbit okimono, 20th century. Modelled…

Japanese Ivory Rabbit Okimono, 20th Century

A small Japanese ivory rabbit okimono, 20th century. Modelled as a sitting rabbit with an alert expression, its long ears folded back, with nice facial details, unsigned, width 4.5 cm

A Japanese 'Changing Face' ivory okimono, late Meiji period,…

Articulated Kabuki Okimono with Changing Faces

A Japanese 'Changing Face' ivory okimono, late Meiji period, 1868-1912, the articulated Kabuki character with long hair holding a sword, with a revolving head depicting both a threatening and a benign visage, lightly engraved and inked. Height 5 cm

A Meiji period Japanese carved ivory Okimono, the box seller in…

Japanese Ivory Box Seller Okimono

A Meiji period Japanese carved ivory Okimono, the box seller in traditional robe with various boxes tied to a branch.

An old Japanese carved deer antler okimono of a seated skeleton,…

Seated skeleton okimono on deer antler

An old Japanese carved deer antler okimono of a seated skeleton, his hands resting to his left knee, he sits in the wider base section. Diameter 6.5 cm height 6 cm

Signed ivory okimono, demon on straw battle shield

Ivory Demon on Battle Shield Okimono

Signed ivory okimono, demon on straw battle shield

Signed ivory okimono, cicada on leaf

Ivory Cicada Okimono on Leaf

Signed ivory okimono, cicada on leaf

A petite vintage ivory okimono figure, Showa period, mid 20th…

Vintage Ivory Okimono Figure: Smoking Male with Tools

A petite vintage ivory okimono figure, Showa period, mid 20th century, a hunched male figure who appears to be smoking a pipe, in well engraved and inked clothing and carrying a range of tools, signature underside, height 4.5 cm

Japanese ivory okimono of gods on boat

Gods on Ivory Boat

Japanese ivory okimono of gods on boat

A Japanese okimono netsuke of a recumbent man. Signed. Length 5…

Recumbent Man

A Japanese okimono netsuke of a recumbent man. Signed. Length 5 cm

An old Japanese carved ivory Okimono, the standing figure with…

Japanese Ivory Okimono with Monkey and Stick

An old Japanese carved ivory Okimono, the standing figure with stick and leashed monkey to his right shoulder.

A Japanese ivory okimono, of a reclining man with book, signed.…

Reclining Man with Book Ivory Okimono

A Japanese ivory okimono, of a reclining man with book, signed. Length 6 cm

Two tagua nut animal okimono and a resin netsuke, 20th century,…

Tagua and Resin Animal Okimono and Netsuke Set

Two tagua nut animal okimono and a resin netsuke, 20th century, a delightful study of two playful rabbits, and a panda eating bamboo, both tagua nuts signed, and a resin netsuke in the form of a ram, 4.5 cm, and smaller

A signed antique Japanese ivory okimono of a man Restraining an…

Japanese Ivory Okimono of Man Restraining Oni

A signed antique Japanese ivory okimono of a man Restraining an Oni, Meiji period, late 19th century, finely carved and inked, with a crowned and bearded figure in a well detailed kimono pressing upon the shoulders of a kneeling oni carrying a water pail,…

A 19th century okimono ivory carving of a wise scholar seated…

Wise Scholar on Barrel

A 19th century okimono ivory carving of a wise scholar seated on a barrel, height 6 cm, signed

An old Japanese marine ivory carved okimono, finely detailed…

Japanese Marine Ivory Samurai and Dragon Okimono

An old Japanese marine ivory carved okimono, finely detailed with a samurai and dragon, character marks incised and red stained to the base. Height 11.2 cm

A Japanese bone okimono, 20th century, signed, depicting the…

Japanese Bone Okimono of Traditionally Attired Older Man

A Japanese bone okimono, 20th century, signed, depicting the figure of a traditionally attired older man carrying a basket and the tools of his trade, lightly engraved throughout and inked with aubergine and deep green colours, supported on a decorated…

A vintage signed ivory okimono of a monkey with young, early to…

Monkey Family Ivory Okimono

A vintage signed ivory okimono of a monkey with young, early to mid 20th century, a parent monkey grappling with its two clambering playful youngsters, red, characters to a cartouche, height 6 cm

A vintage ivory okimono of a monkey, mid 20th century, a…

Seated Monkey with Fruit Okimono

A vintage ivory okimono of a monkey, mid 20th century, a naturalistic study of a seated monkey closely guarding a fruit, height 3.5 cm

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period,…

Japanese Ivory Erotic Monk Okimono, Taisho Period

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s the okimono depicting a seated monk aroused by the reading of an erotic book open on his lap, the pages engraved with inscriptions and an erotic scene, with finely engraved and stained…

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period,…

Japanese Erotic Ivory Okimono, Taisho Period

A signed Japanese carved ivory erotic okimono, Taisho period, 1920s the two-piece shunga okimono of man and woman in an embrace, with finely engraved and stained highlights, two-character mark to base. Height 4.5 cm

Antique Japanese okimono monkey figure, carved figure of a…

Antique Japanese Monkey Okimono Figure

Antique Japanese okimono monkey figure, carved figure of a seated monkey. Early 20th century, Height 4 cm approx.

A Japanese ivory netsuke. Meiji period (1868-1912) the small…

Seated Elderly Gentleman Ivory Netsuke

A Japanese ivory netsuke. Meiji period (1868-1912) the small carved ivory okimono of seated elderly gentleman wearing a cloak, with a serene meditative expression, unsigned. Height 4 cm

An antique ivory okimono of a Comical figure with a fly Whisk,…

Meiji Ivory Comical Figure with Fly Whisk

An antique ivory okimono of a Comical figure with a fly Whisk, Meiji period, 1868-1912, a round faced gloomy figure wrapped in a cloak holding a fly whisk, a small crouching child at his side, with lightly engraved patterns and inked enrichments,…

A Japanese ivory okimono, late Meiji period, 1868-1912…

Japanese Ivory Okimono with Man and Child

A Japanese ivory okimono, late Meiji period, 1868-1912 depicting a middle aged man in traditional dress carrying a child on his back, lightly engraved. Height 5 cm

A Japanese ivory okimono, late Meiji period, 1868-1912…

Japanese Ivory Okimono with Elderly Man and Bird

A Japanese ivory okimono, late Meiji period, 1868-1912 depicting an elderly man holding a cup, with a bird perched on his shoulder, finely engraved and lightly inked in brown. Height 5 cm

A Japanese ivory okimono, probably Showa period, mid 20th…

Japanese Ivory Fisherman Okimono

A Japanese ivory okimono, probably Showa period, mid 20th century. Depicting the figure of a traditionally attired fisherman carrying his catch in a basket over his shoulder and standing on rocks above waves, lightly engraved throughout and inked with…

Pair vintage Japanese bronze okimono standing immortals of…

Japanese Bronze Standing Immortals of Wealth and Fish

Pair vintage Japanese bronze okimono standing immortals of Daikoku god of wealth and Ebisu holding a koi fish, 8.5 cm heights

Antique Japanese Meiji period carved ivory okimono depicting a…

Meiji Ivory Okimono with Man and Bird

Antique Japanese Meiji period carved ivory okimono depicting a man holding a bird and rope, losses to rope section, signed to base, 15 cm, high approx. This item may not be exported without CITES documentation

Early 20th century Japanese marine ivory okimono of a farmer…

Early 20th century Japanese marine ivory okimono of a farmer and child. On a pierced wooden stand. Nb: ivory export restrictions, height 11.5 cm

A boxwood okimono of two frogs on a Sandal, two naturalistic…

Frog duo on sandal boxwood okimono

A boxwood okimono of two frogs on a Sandal, two naturalistic frogs squatting on an upturned straw zori sandal, height 4 cm, width 7 cm

A vintage Japanese ivory okimono of a Sow, and a pair of…

Japanese Ivory Sow Okimono and Chopsticks Set

A vintage Japanese ivory okimono of a Sow, and a pair of Chopsticks, early to mid 20th century, finely carved as a corpulent sow with black bead eyes, and a pair of plain, ivory chopsticks, length 17.5 cm (chopsticks) width 6.5 cm (sow)

A signed antique ivory okimono of a fisherman, early 20th…

Antique Ivory Fisherman Okimono

A signed antique ivory okimono of a fisherman, early 20th century, a contemplative fisherman with his net and a pipe, lightly engraved and inked, with natural age related fissures, signed with two characters in red underside, height 17 cm

An old carved Japanese ivory Okimono of an oni (demon), he sits,…

Japanese Ivory Oni Okimono with Mouse Clambering Bell

An old carved Japanese ivory Okimono of an oni (demon), he sits, an upraised bell in his hand from which clambers a mouse. Old repair to hand. Width 7 cm

A Japanese Kyoyaki Rokubei okimono of a boar, Kiyomizu Rokubei…

Kyoyaki Boar Okimono by Kiyomizu Rokubei V

A Japanese Kyoyaki Rokubei okimono of a boar, Kiyomizu Rokubei V (1875-1959), circa 1930s, the boar figure in carved faceted earthenware covered in brown and amber glazes. Impressed hexagonal 'Rokubei' mark to the side. Together with a signed tomobako…

A Japanese Bizen okimono of a bullock, Toho Kimura, Showa…

Bizen Stoneware Bullock Okimono by Toho Kimura

A Japanese Bizen okimono of a bullock, Toho Kimura, Showa period (1926-1989), circa 1960s, the stoneware okimono naturalistically modelled to render a recumbent bullock, the clay exhibiting 'Goma' (sesame seed glaze) spots to the back and feet of the…

A Japanese Rokubei studio pottery horse okimono, Kyomizu…

Gilded Horse Okimono by Kyomizu Rokubei VI

A Japanese Rokubei studio pottery horse okimono, Kyomizu Rokubei VI (1901-1980), circa 1960s, the earthenware okimono in the stylised form of a horse, decorated with black under a clear glaze, and covered with cloudy flakes of gilding. Impressed hexagonal…

Two carved ivory okimono & one vegetable ivory okimono, carved…

Ivory and Vegetable Okimono Collection

Two carved ivory okimono & one vegetable ivory okimono, carved ivory rabbit and porcupine & vegetable ivory octopus

A Japanese okimono of a woman with basket, height 12 cm

Japanese Woman with Basket: Miniature Okimono, 12 cm Height

A Japanese okimono of a woman with basket, height 12 cm

A pair of Japanese okimono, early 20th century. The figures of…

Japanese Okimono Figures, Early 20th Century

A pair of Japanese okimono, early 20th century. The figures of an older man and woman, the man carrying a staff and a scroll and the stooped woman holding her fan, both lightly engraved and stained and signed underside. Height 11 cm. and 10 cm

Signed ivory okimono of seated immortal with frog on his back

Seated Immortal with Frog Okimono

Signed ivory okimono of seated immortal with frog on his back

Japanese ivory okimono. Meiji period carved with a man smoking…

Meiji Ivory Okimono: Smoking Man with Boy and Parasol

Japanese ivory okimono. Meiji period carved with a man smoking a pipe and carrying a young boy holding a parasol on his back signed. Height 14.5 cm

A signed Japanese ivory okimono of a monkey, Showa period,…

Japanese Ivory Monkey Okimono, Showa Period, 1930s

A signed Japanese ivory okimono of a monkey, Showa period, circa 1930s, the study of a playful monkey eating a persimmon, with arched back and curled tail, two character incised signature to the back leg. Height 4.5 cm

Two small Japanese okimono of rabbits, early 20th century, the…

Japanese Rabbit Okimono Pair

Two small Japanese okimono of rabbits, early 20th century, the smaller carved from ivory, the second from marine ivory. Height 5.5 cm max

Antique carved ivory lion okimono with human kill (damage to…

Ivory Lion Okimono with Human Kill - Damaged Tail

Antique carved ivory lion okimono with human kill (damage to tail)

Japanese carved ivory okimono, standing figure of an archer,…

Signed Japanese Ivory Archer Okimono, 5cm

Japanese carved ivory okimono, standing figure of an archer, signed to base, height 5 cm note

Antique Japanese ivory woolly mammoth okimono on timber base,…

Japanese Ivory Woolly Mammoth Okimono, c1920

Antique Japanese ivory woolly mammoth okimono on timber base, c1920, signed to base, height 6 cm approx

Two vintage ivory tiger okimono, mid 20th century, seated…

Vintage Ivory Tiger Okimono Pair

Two vintage ivory tiger okimono, mid 20th century, seated felines with glass bead eyes, one with etched and inked striping, the other presenting as a white tiger, signed to one, height 4.5 cm and smaller