Vintage Japanese Bizen-yaki Horse Okimono, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0582

Vintage Japanese Bizen-yaki Horse Okimono, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0582

A spirited Bizen-yaki stoneware horse okimono perched atop a double-gourd base -- signed by the artist and housed in its original wooden storage box.

An okimono is a Japanese decorative display object intended to be placed in a tokonoma alcove or on a shelf as a focal point of aesthetic contemplation. This striking example is crafted in Bizen-yaki, one of Japan's oldest and most revered ceramic traditions originating in Okayama Prefecture. Bizen ware is distinctive for its unglazed, high-fired stoneware body, which develops rich natural surface variations -- subtle shifts of dark grey, warm brown, and reddish amber -- entirely through the kiln firing process rather than applied glazes. Here, a rearing horse in full dynamic motion crests atop a hyotan (double-gourd) form base, a pairing rich in symbolism: the horse representing strength, success, and the zodiac, while the hyotan is a classic Japanese lucky charm associated with good fortune and warding off misfortune. An impressed artist seal is visible on the body of the gourd base, and the accompanying wooden tomobako box is inscribed to identify the piece as a Bizen horse okimono, with the artist name "Shozan" and a red seal on the box panel. The textured, granular surface and warm iron-rich coloration are consistent with authentic Bizen-yaki stoneware of the Late Showa period.

In today's home, this handcrafted Japanese ceramic figurine makes a compelling living room accent or home office statement piece -- its earthy wabi-sabi aesthetic blending naturally with Japandi style interiors, minimalist decor, or curated collector shelves. Display it on a bookshelf, sideboard, or entry console alongside other Japanese vintage ceramics for a cohesive tokonoma-inspired vignette. Its compact footprint and sculptural energy make it equally at home on a writing desk or in a dedicated display cabinet. Complete with its wooden storage box, this is an outstanding gift for collectors, a unique housewarming gift, or an ideal acquisition for any admirer of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan -- Bizen (Okayama Prefecture)
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Bizen-yaki unglazed stoneware; natural ash fire markings; wooden tomobako storage box
• Use: Decorative okimono display figurine; tokonoma or shelf ornament
• Modern Use: Living room accent sculpture; home office or bookshelf display; collector showcase piece
• Features: Rearing horse sculpted atop a hyotan (double-gourd) base; rich natural dark grey-brown and reddish-amber kiln effects; impressed artist seal on body; tomobako wooden box inscribed with title and artist name "Shozan" with red seal; hollow base with drainage opening
• Dimensions: 6"W x 4"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and expressive piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this Bizen-yaki horse okimono brings the quiet power of traditional Japanese craft 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.