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Okimono: Eggplant with three rats

Okimono: Eggplant with three rats

2004.13.0023

Thumbnail of Okimono: Eggplant with three rats (2004.13.0023)

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Basic Information

Artifact Identification	Okimono: Eggplant with three rats (2004.13.0023)
Classification/ Nomenclature	Communication Artifacts : Art : N/A
Artist/Maker	Signed
Geographic Location	Asia, East : Japan
Period/Date	Meiji Period (1868-1912), Late 19th century
Culture	Japanese

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Height)	10.8 cm
Dimension 2 (Width)	4.5 cm
Dimension 3 (Diameter)	4 cm
Weight	102 g
Measuring Remarks	4 1/4” long as per Bernie McManus appraisal. The second largest dimension is the width across the body. The third dimension is the diameter of the base.
Materials	Plant--Wood, Animal--Tooth--Ivory, Stone--Jade, Animal--Horn
Manufacturing Processes	Inlaying, Carved
Munsell Color Information	N/A

Research Remarks

Published Description	N/A
Description	"A finely carved Japanese okimono of an eggplant with three rats, executed with Shibayama inlay (a very decorative form of inlay work featuring mother-of-pearl in some combination with ivory, coral and/or jade as well as lacquer), signed Sanju saku, the rats having inlaid eyes. 19th century, Meiji period, 4 1/4” long. The rat is frequently depicted in Japanese decorative arts; unlike its meaning in the Western world, the Japanese rat is looked upon as an emblem of timidity and prosperity (due to its ability to locate and hoard food). The dry eggplant is also found in Japanese decorative arts; its function is to ward off pernicious influence." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 9/15/2004
Comparanda	N/A
Bibliography	N/A

Artifact History

Archaeological Data	N/A
Credit Line/Dedication	Fred A. Freund Collection
Reproduction	No
Reproduction Information	N/A

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