Description:

East Asia, Japan, Edo to Meiji Period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A bone okimono carving of Ebisu, the god of fishermen, with a large Tai fish on his back, a symbol of luck and prosperity. An okimono is a traditional Japanese sculptural form of display or decorative pieces, made simply for the art of it, much like a netsuke but slightly larger. This example is made from many panels of bone that are then pieced together and etched with geometric and floral motifs. Ebisu is one of the Seven Lucky Gods, however his fish symbolism is the only one of the Seven to have originated purely from Japanese tradition (the other gods have counterparts in Hindu and Chinese traditions). Tai fish are incredibly important in Japanese culture as symbols of luck and as cuisine, particularly sushi. The port town Toyohama throws a massive festival in the summer to commemorate Tai, which is a type of sea bream or Japanese snapper. Size: 5.125" Diameter x 8" H (13 cm x 20.3 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#176345

  • Condition: Minor imperfections and chips along base panels. Felt pad added to base for stability. Yellowing and patina to bone as shown. Overall good condition without restoration.

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January 19, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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