Antique Japanese Bronze Okimono of Boy on Recumbent Ox, Taisho era 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0549

Antique Japanese Bronze Okimono of Boy on Recumbent Ox, Taisho era 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0549

A finely cast antique bronze okimono depicting a recumbent ox with a seated boy rider -- a timeless auspicious motif in East Asian decorative art.

An okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative ornament intended purely for display, often placed in a tokonoma alcove or on a writing desk as a symbol of good fortune and refined taste. This example is cast in bronze and depicts a heavyset ox at rest, its head lowered close to the ground, with a chubby boy seated atop its back. The boy is rendered with quiet charm -- round-faced and loosely robed, leaning gently forward as though whispering to his mount. The ox itself is modeled with careful attention: a braided rope halter circles the muzzle and neck, the musculature of the shoulders and haunches is softly but convincingly expressed, and the hooves and tail are clearly delineated. The deep, even dark brown patina speaks to genuine age and long handling. The hollow-cast underside reveals an impressed maker's mark, consistent with professional foundry production of the Meiji-to-Taisho period. The boy-on-ox motif -- known in Japanese as "gyudo" imagery -- carries associations with pastoral peace, diligence rewarded, and the harmony between humans and nature, making it a popular subject for Japanese antique bronze sculpture of this era.

Compact and self-contained at roughly five inches wide, this antique Japanese bronze okimono is ideally suited to life in a modern interior. Set it on a bookshelf or home office desk as a refined living room accent or a conversation-starting desk ornament. Its wabi-sabi aesthetic -- aged patina, hand-modeled surfaces, quiet subject matter -- pairs beautifully with Japandi style interiors, minimalist decor, or any space that values authentic handcrafted objects over mass-produced decoration. It makes an exceptional gift for collectors of Japanese antique bronzes, a thoughtful housewarming gift, or a unique find for Japanophiles seeking a genuinely old piece with symbolic depth and sculptural presence.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho), possibly late Meiji; consistent with early 20th century Japanese foundry production
• Material: Cast bronze with dark brown age patina
• Use: Decorative okimono display ornament; auspicious figurine for tokonoma alcove or writing desk
• Modern Use: Desk accent or home office display piece; bookshelf sculpture in a Japandi or minimalist interior; collector display for Japanese antique bronzes
• Features: Recumbent ox with braided rope halter detail; seated boy rider in loose robes; rich dark patina with natural age wear; hollow cast construction; impressed maker's mark visible on underside
• Dimensions: 5"W x 3 1/2"D x 3 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and evocative piece of Japanese antique bronze sculpture -- bringing the quiet symbolism of a century-old okimono tradition into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.