A mid nineteenth century transitional period wood okimono showing a cheeky monkey likely stealing a bamboo shoot.

This charming hand carved wooden okimono was produced in Japan in the end of the nineteenth century or better said sometime towards the end of the Edo Period and the start of the Meiji Period. 

The eyes of the monkey are inlaid with glass and real teeth and the whole object has a rich colour and superb patination. The okimono is not signed and the artist thus not identified.

This delightful okimono stands 15.5 cm high, is 13.50 cm at its widest point and 7.00 cm at its deepest.(Measurements approximate). Or (6.10”x 5.50”x 2.3/4” hwd) 

It is in excellent condition, showing hardly any wear that would be appropriate to its age and substance. It has no damage and no restoration.

A little history: 

An Okimono may be a small Japanese carving, similar to, but larger than netsuke. Unlike netsuke, which had a specific purpose, Okimono were purely decorative and were displayed in the tokonoma. An Okimono can be made out of wood, ceramic, metal or other natural materials. 日本のアート Nihon no āto