Lot 257B
East Asia, Japan, Meiji period, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A finely carved figure of a weary woodsman pauses mid-step beneath the weight of his labor, a substantial bundle of gathered branches slung across his back in a moment of quiet endurance. Executed in mammoth ivory and set upon an intricately worked wooden stand, the sculpture captures a fleeting, human gesture - the slight forward lean of the torso, the raised arm steadying the load, and the subtle turn of the head suggesting both strain and resolve. The figure is rendered with careful attention to anatomy and expression. His face, gently lined with age, conveys a sense of lived experience, while his hair is neatly bound and his features softened by time. He wears traditional working attire, including a short kimono jacket and patterned trousers, each surface enriched with delicate incised decoration that imitates textile designs. Size: 6" W x 6.8" H (15.2 cm x 17.3 cm); 10.9" H (27.7 cm) on included custom stand.
The garments fall naturally around the body, their folds articulated with precision, while his legs, wrapped at the calves, lead down to simple sandals that ground the figure firmly in place.
Particularly striking is the bundle of firewood itself, composed of individually carved sticks bound together with cord. Each branch varies in thickness and contour, creating a layered, organic mass that contrasts with the smooth finish of the ivory figure. This interplay of textures - polished flesh, patterned cloth, and rough timber - demonstrates the carver's technical skill and sensitivity to material.
The figure stands atop a carved wooden base resembling a rustic platform or low table, supported by turned legs and embellished with inset roundels of nacre shell and an openwork apron. This base not only elevates the composition physically but also situates the subject within a humble, rural setting, reinforcing the narrative of daily labor. A small inset plaque bearing characters is visible, likely a maker's or workshop mark.
Okimono of this type were produced during the Meiji period, a time when Japanese artists adapted traditional carving techniques to create highly detailed, sculptural works for both domestic appreciation and export. Scenes of everyday life, such as this woodcutter, were especially favored for their storytelling quality and their ability to convey character through posture and expression. This example stands as a compelling portrayal of perseverance, rendered with both technical refinement and quiet humanity.
Provenance: private Hagar collection, Wildwood, Missouri, USA
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#202197
- Condition: Missing proper left arm, part of left sleeve, back of bun, object in right hand, and possible additional figure that would have been at the main figure's left side. Small area of loss to bottom of shorts on left leg. Natural fissures and splitting to ivory, as well as light surface wear. Top of wooden base is detached from bottom. Otherwise, very nice presentation with impressive remaining detail.
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