Antique Japanese Carved Wood Box With Basket Crab Motif, Circa 1900

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Description

A finely carved Japanese wooden okimono in the form of a basket, topped and flanked by three large expressive crabs … Read more A finely carved Japanese wooden okimono in the form of a basket, topped and flanked by three large expressive crabs rendered with meticulous attention to detail. Likely created during the late Meiji to early Taishō period (circa 1900–1920), this sculptural object is carved from dense tropical hardwood with a warm, time-softened patina. The artist achieved an extraordinary sense of texture from the illusion of twisted rope and woven basketry to the smoothness of segmented claws and patterned carapaces of the crabs.
One crab crowns the lid, while two others climb opposite sides of the basket, their outstretched claws and curved legs lending the piece a sense of lively movement. Though the form suggests functionality, it was likely conceived as a decorative or symbolic object for display, perhaps in a scholar’s studio, or as a conversation piece in a Japanese home imbued with naturalist aesthetics. Not just decorative—this little treasure tells a story of patience, artistry, and cultural nuance. Whether nestled on a shelf or given pride of place, it's a conversation starter that rewards close inspection and ready for your collection or a special spot in your home.

✨ Collector’s Note
Crabs in Japanese art carry symbolic associations with strength, protection, perseverance, and even samurai folklore, as seen in tales of the Heike-gani where crabs whose shells resemble the faces of fallen warriors. This carved okimono reflects not just these layered meanings, but also the ingenuity of late Meiji-era artisans who delighted in turning natural forms into whimsical and masterful objects for display. The tactile interplay of hard shell against soft weave renders the piece both contemplative and animated.  It reflects not only the technical virtuosity of its maker, but also the enduring cultural reverence for nature’s forms.

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