As part of our Japanese works of art collection I am delighted to offer this magnificent Meiji Period (1868-1912) carved hardwood okimono of a wild boar ( inoshishi) complete with its original tomobako, each of which are fully signed by the Imperial Household artist ( Teishitsu Gigei-in) Ishikawa Komei ( 1852-1913) . The incredibly well carved beast sits resplendent upon its haunches, head raised in an alert pose, the rendering of the carved fur and particularly its facial features are instantly recognisable as the work of a very highly skilled artist. The tomobako is fully signed “Ki chokoku, Yacho, gyonen rokujuissai, Komei, with the seals “Teishitsu Gigei In” and “Ishi” for Ishikawa. translating to read “Wood sculpture of a wild boar, made by Komei, at the age of 61” The underside of the okimono bears a crisply carved seal “Komei no in” the seal of Komei.
Literature :
A key figure in the early history of modern Japanese sculpture, Ishikawa Komei was born into a family of temple craftsman and from the age of ten studied painting for a time under Kano Kazunobu (1816–1863) before training as an ivory carver in the workshop of Kikugawa Masamitsu, a netsuke maker. Starting in 1876 he exhibited his work widely at home and abroad and participated in the interior decoration of imperial palaces. In 1890 he was named Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist-Craftsman to the Imperial Household) and in 1891 he was appointed Professor in the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Art.
The artist passed away in the spring of 1913, according to the tomobako this okimono was carved in 1912.
Another very similar carving also dated 1912 now resides in the Tokyo national museum. It is interesting to note that 1911 was the zodiac year of the boar. It would seem that these examples of wild boar were carved during the last year or so of the artists life.
Condition Report :
Excellent condition throughout.
Approximate Sizes :
Length : 19″ 48 cm
Height : 11″ 28 cm
Depth : 9″ 23 cm
Free fully insured worldwide delivery and a certificte of authenticity are included within the price of this item . EP 95