Japanese Meiji Period Carved Boxwood Okimono of a Hawk, Joel & Margaret Chen Collection

Details

Description

A finely carved Japanese boxwood okimono depicting a hawk perched atop a hollow cylindrical base, its head lowered in an … Read more A finely carved Japanese boxwood okimono depicting a hawk perched atop a hollow cylindrical base, its head lowered in an alert, predatory posture. The bird grips a cluster of spherical fruit, likely lychee or peony seedpod, with articulated talons rendered in precise detail. The surrounding base is carved in high and deep relief with overlapping peony blossoms, large naturalistic leaves, and additional fruit clusters, the pierced openwork at the lower register revealing the hollow interior of the trunk form. The reverse shows the full spread of primary and secondary flight feathers carved with individual quill lines of exceptional fineness. The wood is uncolored boxwood with a warm honey-brown tone throughout, the surface developing a natural patina consistent with age.

The hawk, known in Japanese as taka, held strong associations with power, courage, and martial virtue in Japanese culture, making it a prized subject for Meiji period display objects intended for both domestic and export markets. The combination of hawk with peony (botan) is a classical pairing in Japanese decorative art, symbolizing strength paired with wealth and nobility.

No maker's mark present. The hollow turned base interior is consistent with Meiji period workshop production.

Provenance: The Joel and Margaret Chen Collection, Los Angeles. Sold at Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA), The Joel and Margaret Chen Collection. See less