{"product_id":"japanese-carved-ivory-okimono-figure-karako-with-balloons-meiji-period-signed","title":"Japanese Carved Ivory Okimono figure | Karako with Balloons | Meiji period | signed","description":"\u003cp\u003eJapanese Extensively Carved Ivory Okimono figure on wooden stand\u003cbr\u003eKarako with Balloons \u003cbr\u003esigned to base \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn exceptionally well carved piece d\u003cspan\u003eepicting a rarely depicted scene, Karako inflating and playing with balloons in the shelter of a large pine tree\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Piece:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKarako refers to traditional Chinese children at play, which is a popular decorative motif in classic Japanese arts like netsuke and okimono. A rare and charming depiction features karako inflating and playing with old-style or toy balloons\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003elate Meiji  period c.1900\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApprox 18cms (7\") tall on stand\u003cbr\u003eApprox 6cms (2 1\/3\") wide on stand\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOkimono is 16cms (6 1\/3\") tall when off the stand\u003cbr\u003eOkimono is 5cms (2\") wide when off the stand\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn excellent condition - slight Ivory yellow aging to rear\u003cbr\u003eSigned to base - unable to discern signature\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is an Okimono?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn okimono (置物) is a Japanese term for a decorative art object, typically a sculpture or ornament, that translates to \"object for display\". These pieces, made from materials like wood, ivory, bronze, and ceramics, were popular during the Meiji period (1868–1912) and are often displayed in a home's tokonoma alcove. Common subjects include animals, mythical creatures, deities, and scenes from daily life, with many created by skilled artisans for both domestic display and export to Western markets.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a Netsuke?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. They can be made from boxwood, Ivory, Bone and Silver. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an inrō box, netsuke later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ivory:\u003c\/strong\u003e Australia has had a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"button\" class=\"c5aZPb\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"JPfdse\"\u003eban on ivory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eimports since 1990\u003c\/strong\u003e, however it remains legal to buy and sell ivory items domestically. As a result this item is not available for overseas shipping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roundabout Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49447715995876,"sku":"RA-0013665_C","price":1150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0070\/9528\/7908\/files\/okimono_karajo_1a.jpg?v=1784506970","url":"https:\/\/roundaboutantiques.com.au\/products\/japanese-carved-ivory-okimono-figure-karako-with-balloons-meiji-period-signed","provider":"Roundabout Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}