Cicada
Description
This Okimono of a Cicada is beautifully carved and every detail of the insect's wings is visible, it's a masterpiece of realism. Interestingly, the opposite effect is felt when naturally small objects, like this cicada, is enlarged beyond proportion. It creates a sense of fear that miniature objects don't.
Okimono is a small, carved decorative object (made of wood, ivory or metal) created specifically for display. It is a vital element in a Japanese house and would be given pride of place in an alcove built especially for it called a tokonoma. Okimonos depicted domestic scenes of samurais, farmers, fishermen, and children and occasionally, studies of birds, animals and flowers.
Sir DJ Tata Collection
Collection
Japanese Art
Object Type
Decorative Art Okimono
Material
Ivory
Schools/Culture/Period
Meiji period
Technique
Ivory carving
Date
19th century CE
Location
Japan
Dimension
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