Description
This Japanese Bronze Woodcutter Okimono by Yamamoto Kozan dates to the late Meiji period, circa 1910. Cast in bronze, the figure depicts a young woodcutter standing upon a naturalistic base beside a bundled stack of cut timber and an axe.
The figure wears an eboshi hat with a loose robe tied at the waist, the folds of the clothing carefully modelled around the body. He is shown pausing from his work while holding a double gourd flask in his right hand, the vessel finished with contrasting gilt detail to its tied cord. His left arm is extended slightly away from the body, giving the figure a relaxed natural stance.
The dark patinated bronze contrasts with the warmer tones of the gourd, axe and naturalistic ground beneath his feet. Particular attention is given to the facial features, hands, clothing and individually modelled sections of the woodpile.
The reverse of the figure is signed Kozan saku for Yamamoto Kozan, incised into the lower leg.
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MEASUREMENTS
41cm High x 36.5cm Wide x 20.5cm Deep (16.14 x 14.37 x 8 inches)
CONDITION
Very Good antique condition
Who was Yamamoto Kozan?
Yamamoto Kozan was the younger brother of the sculptor Yamamoto Junmin (1888-1962). They both are considered to belong to the group of the most prominent and skilful metal workers in early 20th Century. Kozan was a student of the sculptor Okazaki Sessei (1854-1921) and he was a member of the Chukinka Kyokai (Association of Cast Metal Artists).
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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