Museum-Quality Japanese Ivory Carving (Okimono)

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Museum-Quality Japanese Ivory Carving (Okimono)

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Sold Date: 07/07/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

This okimono is truly a museum-quality piece. From the frightening faces on the oni, to the serene and fearless face of En no Gyoja, the quality is superb. Carved in the Bakumatsu (1853-1867) or early Meiji (1868 - 1912) era by Soukou Ohkawa, it is truly unique. Height 7.75" (19.69cm.), width 9" (22.9cm.), depth 4.75" (12.1cm.) The materials used are ivory, stag antler and boxwood. T are no losses or damage. One Japanese antiques dealer said that it was "the finest okimono I have seen in my 25 years as a dealer". Contact me with any questions at . To see high-quality images go to . Note the price tags from 2001 at $15k; surely it's worth even more today, but I'll consider reasonable offers. For this auction I have reduced the price substantially to avoid having to send it to Japan and wait for it to sell t If you're interested, act now, as this is likely your last chance to buy this fabulous okimono.

I didn't buy this okimono only for the incredible workmanship. When I bought it, I didn't know that the subject was En no Gyoja and his attendants. To me this okimono symbolized the superiority and triumph of wisdom and age over adversity. First, En is in a very hostile damp and windy place, as shown by the many mushrooms and the strong wind blowing his kimono. He even has to hold onto his hat, it is so windy. Next, t are two nasty-looking demons next to him. Even so, he has a serene look in his face, and is obviously in control This is also shown by him being placed in a position above the two demons. Even knowing what the subject matter is, it still shows power, wisdom and age in triumph over adversity. I hope this will resonate with someone who would like to have this okimono to remind them to be strong and be in control.

This world-class okimono depicts the sage En no Gyoja (also known as En no Shokaku or En no Ozunu) He is accompanied by his two oni servants, Zenki & Goki. They have cut their horns down to stubs to show that they have given up their evil ways and now serve this wizard. Note the fine details of the carved base, including the ivory mushrooms.

is some history on En no Gyoja: "En no Gyoja was a mountain recluse and ascetic who lived during the Nara period (710-794). At first he practiced his austerities in the mountains of Yoshino w he built temples on a number of mountains. At the age of 32 he went into a rock cave w he remained for more than 30 years, dressed in wisteria leaves and eating pine needles. He was believed to fly through the air riding the clouds and to be able to exorcize both gods and demons. These supernatural powers were envied by one of his disciples, Karakuni no Muraji Hirotani, who denounced him which led to his being sent into exile from 699- 701. When his exile was forgiven he is said to have climbed Mount Fuji to practice his austerities t