Description
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
From our Japanese collection, we’re pleased to offer this finely cast Meiji period bronze okimono by Shosai. The group depicts several rats gathered around a split pumpkin, with a pomegranate placed beside them. Each rat is shown in a different posture, some investigating the seeds, others perched or crouched, creating a lively and well-balanced composition.
The bronze is finished in natural tones, with dark brown and grey patination, and shows careful attention to detail in the modelling of the rats and fruit. The fur is lightly textured, the tails curve naturally around the form, and the fruit is rendered with subtle variation, particularly the seeds of the pomegranate which are raised in gentle relief.
The piece is signed Shosai 正齊鋳 (Shosai cast) to the underside and it dates to the late 19th century, during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when okimono of this type were made for both domestic collectors and exported to the west. It’s a thoughtful and well-observed work, combining natural subject matter with a quiet sense of movement and character.
Pomegranate
In Japanese culture, the pomegranate or zakuro, carries layered symbolism. Often associated with fertility, abundance, and protection, the fruit appears in both art and folklore. Its many seeds represent prosperity and the continuation of family lines, while its vibrant red colour is linked to vitality and life. In Buddhist iconography, pomegranates are also connected to Kishimojin, a protective goddess of children and childbirth, who is sometimes depicted holding the fruit. As a result, the pomegranate is seen not only as a symbol of richness and beauty but also as a quiet emblem of care and safeguarding within the home.
Rats
In Japanese culture, rats or nezumi, are seen as clever, resourceful creatures with both practical and symbolic meaning. Traditionally linked to prosperity and intelligence, rats are also the first animal in the Japanese zodiac, marking new beginnings and quick thinking. In folklore, they are considered messengers of Daikokuten, the god of wealth, often seen beside his rice bales and hammer. While rats may seem humble, their presence in art and antiques is often a quiet nod to good fortune, survival, and the ability to find abundance even in lean times.
Pumpkin
In Japanese culture Pumpkins, or kabocha, are associated in Japanese culture with sustenance, longevity, and well-being. Traditionally eaten during the winter solstice to promote health and protect against illness, pumpkins are seen as both nourishing and symbolic. Their round, grounded form represents stability and abundance, making them a meaningful subject in both decorative and seasonal art. In antique Japanese bronzes and okimono, the pumpkin often appears as a symbol of earthly comfort and resilience, a reminder of nature’s ability to provide through the seasons.
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.
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 timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article on bronze Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
Measurements
17cm High x 19.5cm Wide x 17cm Deep (6.7 x 7.7 x 6.7 inches)
Condition
Excellent antique condition
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