Description
This Japanese Bronze Figure of Fukurokuju Okimono dates to the Meiji period, circa 1880. Finely cast in bronze, the figure depicts Fukurokuju, one of the Japanese Seven Lucky Gods, shown with his characteristic elongated cranium, flowing beard and voluminous robes.
The surface is enriched with gold and silver inlay, including trailing auspicious cloud motifs across the head and further decorative details worked into the robes. Fukurokuju holds a walking staff in his right hand and the Peach of Immortality in his left, both closely associated with his traditional symbolism of longevity and wisdom.
The modelling is particularly detailed through the facial features, beard, folds of the robes and hands, with the contrasting gold and silver inlay adding definition across the dark bronze surface.
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MEASUREMENTS
11cm High x 6.25cm Wide x 5.25cm Deep (4.33 x 2.46 x 2 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent antique condition
Who is Fukurokuju (福禄寿)?
Fukurokuju is a Japanese deity adapted from Chinese Daoist traditions during the Muromachi period, representing the South Pole Star. His name combines three Kanji characters: Fuku (happiness), Roku (wealth), and Ju (longevity). Traditionally depicted as a wise scholar, his defining physical trait is a tall, domed forehead storing boundless intellect.
What is the Significance of the Peach (Momo) in Japanese Art?
In East Asian iconography, the peach (momo) represents immortality, divine blessing, and eternal life. According to Daoist mythology, the Peaches of Immortality ripen once every three thousand years in the gardens of the West. When held by Fukurokuju, the peach serves as a direct symbol of long life and spiritual vitality.
WHAT IS AN OKIMONO?
Okimono (置物) translates literally to “object for display” or “standing ornament”, combining oku (to place) and mono(thing). Unlike functional netsuke, okimono were created purely as freestanding decorative sculptures. Traditionally showcased in the tokonoma (the formal alcove of a Japanese room), they reached their artistic zenith during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when master carvers and metal smiths redirected their talents toward luxury items for domestic display and export. Crafted in materials ranging from boxwood, ivory, and bronze to mixed metal alloys like shakudō, their subjects span mythical figure work, naturalistic fauna, and snapshots of daily life.
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)?
The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences.
Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.
For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.
WHAT IS BRONZE?
Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike.
In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com.
With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee.
We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production.
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