Vintage Japanese White-Glazed Ceramic Ox Okimono, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0422

Vintage Japanese White-Glazed Ceramic Ox Okimono, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0422

A serene white-glazed ceramic ox okimono, beautifully modeled and preserved in its original fitted tomobako box -- a rare find for collectors of vintage Japanese ceramic art.

An okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative ornament crafted to be displayed in the tokonoma alcove or on a shelf as a focal point of quiet contemplation. This ushi (ox) okimono presents the animal in a classic recumbent pose -- legs tucked beneath its broad body, head turned slightly forward -- rendered entirely in a luminous all-white glaze that highlights the sculptor's refined sense of form. The modeling is confident and naturalistic: curved horns sweep upward from a broad skull, ears flare gently outward, and subtle musculature ripples across the shoulders and haunches. A single dark eye punctuates the otherwise pure white surface with calm presence. The high-gloss white glaze, consistent with hakuji-style white ceramic traditions, lends the piece a timeless, almost meditative quality. The fitted wooden tomobako storage box -- inscribed in bold brushwork with the title "Ushi Okimono" alongside a kiln or artist inscription and red seal stamps -- confirms this as a purposefully commissioned work rather than a mass-produced piece, adding significant provenance value for collectors of handcrafted Japanese ceramics.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese ceramic ox makes a striking living room accent displayed on a console table, bookshelf, or mantelpiece. Its pure white glaze integrates effortlessly into Japandi style interiors, wabi-sabi aesthetic spaces, and minimalist decor alike -- equally at home alongside contemporary art or traditional Japanese furnishings. Collectors born in the Year of the Ox will find it an especially personal and meaningful addition, and it makes a thoughtful housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles seeking a sculptural conversation piece with genuine history. The included tomobako box makes presentation and storage easy, enhancing its appeal as a collector's display item.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: White-glazed ceramic; fitted sugi (cedar) tomobako wooden storage box with brushed ink inscription and red seal stamps
• Use: Decorative okimono ornament; tokonoma or shelf display piece
• Modern Use: Living room accent sculpture; bookshelf or console table display; unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: All-white high-gloss glaze overall; recumbent pose with naturalistically modeled horns, ears, and musculature; single dark eye accent; smooth rounded body with subtle surface relief; accompanied by original fitted tomobako box with brushed kanji title inscription, artist or kiln notation, and red seal stamps
• Dimensions: 11"W x 6"D x 5 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A luminous piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this white-glazed ushi okimono brings calm sculptural beauty and authentic Showa-era craftsmanship to any modern interior.

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.