*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a Nara itto-bori Ise ebi spiny lobster okimono made around 40-50 years ago by master sculptor, Takebayashi Kaoru. Itto-bori literally means “one chisel cut”, and if you look closely at this piece you will notice the angles made by the chisel along the lobster’s body. It is hand-carved from a single block of camphor wood and the exterior has been coated in vermillion coloured lacquer. Ise ebi symbolize longevity, and this is because the back of a lobster is curled just like an elderly person, hence their popularity as a decoration during New Year. The signature of the craftsman can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.

Takebayashi Kaoru (1903-1984) was a Nara ittobori sculptor born and raised in Nara.  In 1925 he studied under Numata Ichiga (1873-1954), and later Yoshida Homei (1875-1943).  In 1929 his work was selected for the 9^th Teiten Exhibition, and again in 1930, 1931 and 1932. In 1932 he exhibited at the 5^th Bunten Exhibition, and again in 1937.  In 1947 his work was selected for the prestigious Nitten Fine Arts Exhibition, and he exhibited pieces at the 1948, 1950, 1951 and 1955 exhibitions.  In 1948 he created statues of the Eight Path Generals at Ishikiri Shrine in Osaka, and he published the book "Nara Ittobori" in 1953. In 1978 he carved a phoenix for the large drum used by the Imperial Household Agency, and during his long career he served as chairperson of the Nara Kogei Association as well as the Nara Wood Sculptor Association.  Takebayashi devoted himself to the preservation and development of Nara Ittobori, and his work was characterised by realistic and well-proportioned forms with precise chisel marks.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Japanese okimono figurines are decorative items used for display purposes. There are those for religious purposes, junishi animals for commemorating the Japanese astrological calendar, and those depicting auspicious symbols such as ise ebi, cranes, foo lions and tortoises. Auspicious symbols and junishi are made to usher in the New Year. They are often displayed in shops, restaurants, people’s homes, and tea rooms. The okimono in this listing depicts an ebi, an auspicious symbol for long life.                            

Sizes

Box:  H.11.8cm (4.6”) x 17.5cm (6.8”) x 9.6cm (3.7”)

Ebi:  H.7.4cm (2.9”) x L.15.8cm (6.2”) x W.8cm (3.1”)                                                              

Condition

It’s in very good condition with only very minor surface wear.                                              

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.