Vintage Japanese Crane and Tortoise Tsuru-Kame Okimono, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0385

Vintage Japanese Crane and Tortoise Tsuru-Kame Okimono, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0385

A rare vintage copper-alloy okimono embodying the classic tsuru-kame motif -- Japan's most beloved symbol of longevity and enduring good fortune.

An okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative display object, crafted purely for aesthetic and symbolic contemplation rather than practical use. This exceptional example presents the tsuru-kame -- crane and tortoise -- pairing, one of the most revered auspicious motifs in Japanese art and culture. The crane (tsuru) was believed to live a thousand years, while the tortoise (kame) was said to live ten thousand, making their union the ultimate expression of longevity, good health, and blessings. Cast in a copper-rich alloy with a deep reddish-brown patina and traces of green verdigris settling into the recesses, this vintage Japanese sculpture demonstrates the skilled hand-chasing typical of Early Showa metalwork. The crane's folded wings are rendered with remarkably fine incised feather detail -- each plume individually worked -- while the tortoise beneath displays a precisely segmented shell with naturalistic, rounded limbs. The graceful arc of the crane's neck rising to full height above the stable, grounded tortoise creates a dynamic yet perfectly balanced composition that has captivated collectors of Japanese vintage art for generations.

In a modern home, this striking okimono makes an immediate statement as a living room accent on a mantel, console table, or display shelf, drawing the eye with its warm patina and sculptural silhouette. Its compact footprint and upright height make it equally well suited to a home office desk or an entryway vignette, where its symbolism of long life and good fortune offers a welcoming message to guests. The wabi-sabi aesthetic of the aged patina and the timeless subject matter pair beautifully with Japandi-style interiors, mid-century modern shelving arrangements, or any space that honors natural materials and quiet elegance. It makes a truly unique housewarming gift or a meaningful present for collectors of Japanese vintage sculpture who appreciate both fine craftsmanship and cultural depth.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Copper-rich alloy (likely copper or bronze/copper alloy) with deep reddish-brown patina and green verdigris in recessed areas
• Use: Decorative okimono display piece representing the tsuru-kame auspicious motif -- symbolizing longevity and good fortune
• Modern Use: Living room or mantel accent sculpture; home office or entryway decorative display; housewarming or collector's gift
• Features: Standing crane with finely hand-chased, individually worked feather detailing on wings and body; elegantly arched neck with pointed beak; perched atop a realistically modeled tortoise with segmented shell and naturalistic limbs; rich warm patina with green verdigris in recesses; cast construction with fine surface chasing throughout
• Dimensions: 9"W x 3"D x 13"H
• Condition: Excellent

A museum-worthy piece of Japanese vintage sculpture -- the timeless tsuru-kame pairing brings a centuries-old blessing of longevity and beauty 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 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.