Vintage Japanese Wood Okimono, Rat on Treasure Bag, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0468

Vintage Japanese Wood Okimono, Rat on Treasure Bag, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0468

A hand-carved wood okimono depicting a rat or mouse nestled atop a bulging treasure bag -- a classic Japanese good-luck motif rich with folklore and artisan charm.

An okimono is a Japanese decorative display object intended to be placed in the tokonoma (alcove) or on a shelf as a symbol of refinement and good fortune. This compact vintage okimono takes the form of a plump, tied sack -- evoking the lucky treasure bag associated with Daikoku, the Shinto deity of wealth and abundance -- with a small rat or mouse figure perched naturally at its opening. The rat holds special significance in Japanese tradition as the zodiac animal most closely linked to Daikoku, making this pairing a beloved motif in Japanese vintage folk art and handcrafted Japanese woodcarving. The body of the bag is covered in finely incised floral and scrolling vine decoration, with what appears to be an auspicious inscription carved across the flat underside. A visible seam runs along the base, suggesting the piece may separate into two parts. The warm honey-brown patina and visible natural wood knots speak to the character of the material -- a dense, close-grained hardwood well suited to detailed carving work.

Despite its modest scale, this vintage Japanese okimono carries remarkable presence. Its rounded, tactile form and cheerful subject matter make it an ideal living room accent on a bookshelf, side table, or display cabinet -- particularly in a wabi-sabi aesthetic or Japandi style interior where natural materials and understated symbolism are prized. It would sit beautifully alongside a tokonoma arrangement, a collection of netsuke, or other Japanese vintage folk art objects. Whether displayed in a home office for a touch of good-luck energy or given as a unique housewarming gift for collectors and Japanophiles, this piece brings warmth, craft, and cultural depth to any modern home.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Dense hardwood, species uncertain -- possibly tsuge (boxwood) or similar fine-grained Japanese carving wood; warm honey-brown tone with natural knots and polished finish
• Use: Decorative okimono display figurine; good-luck or zodiac gift object; tokonoma or shelf ornament
• Modern Use: Living room or home office accent piece; display alongside netsuke or Japanese vintage folk art collections; unique housewarming gift for collectors
• Features: Compact treasure bag form with rat or mouse figure at the opening; incised floral and scrolling vine motifs across the body; inscription carved on the flat underside; visible seam suggesting the piece may open; natural wood knots visible throughout; polished surface with warm aged patina
• Dimensions: 5 1/4"W x 2 3/4"D x 2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A charming piece of vintage Japanese folk art -- hand-carved with care and steeped in the symbolism of good fortune, perfect for collectors and admirers of Japanese vintage woodcarving.

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 vintage 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.