The Golden Age of Japanese Okimono

The Golden Age of Japanese Okimono: The Dr. A. M. Kanter Collection examines okimono as a distinct sculptural genre within late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Japanese art.

The focus lies on small-scale three-dimensional works that were conceived neither as ritual objects nor as utilitarian forms, but as autonomous sculptures intended for the interior. Figures, animals, and narrative scenes draw on motifs from mythology, theatre, everyday life, and close observation of nature, and are characterized by an exceptional precision in carving, surface treatment, and compositional balance.

The publication demonstrates that okimono should not be understood merely as decorative craft, but as sculptural works in which technical virtuosity, narrative condensation, and an acute awareness of scale and presence converge. Particular attention is given to the relationship between material—such as ivory, wood, and bronze—and form: finely modulated surfaces, subtle indications of movement, and carefully controlled volumes create a strong spatial and tactile presence despite the small format. Situating the works within the context of international exhibitions and collecting practices, the book further shows how okimono emerged as a sculptural form shaped by transnational exchange, occupying a complex position between Japanese artistic traditions and Western modes of reception.