Unknown
Okimono in the Form of Kinko Riding the Carp19th century

Not on view

No image

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Okimono in the Form of Kinko Riding the Carp
Place Made: Japan
Date Made: 19th century
Period: Edo period (1603-1868) or Meiji period (1868-1912)
Medium: Hirado Mikawachi ware; porcelain with iron and blue glazes
Dimensions: 3 7/8 x 6 3/8 x 3 1/8 in. (9.8 x 16.2 x 7.9 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Allan and Maxine Kurtzman
Accession Number: M.2004.216.4
Classification: Ceramics
Collecting Area: Japanese Art
Curatorial Notes: This small sculpture is an ornamental object known as an okimono. A combination of oku (to place or put out) and mono (thing or article), the term identifies decorative objects meant for display, in particular small figurines and statues admired purely for their beauty and skill of craftsmanship. Made in a range of sizes and various materials, okimono took the form of human figures (AC1998.115.11), plants, animals (AC1998.115.25), mythical creatures, and religious motifs.

There are varying accounts of the life of Daoist immortal (sennin) Kinkō. He is said to have been an accomplished painter, fish being his preferred subject. One day, a great carp appeared to Kinkō and took him on an undersea journey. He returned vowing never to harm another fish and urged people to likewise refrain from killing or eating them. The scroll Kinkō carried upon his return is said to be a written record of this proclamation. After spreading his message, Kinkō mounted the giant carp and disappeared into the water, where he lived on.

2025

Unknown
Okimono in the Form of Kinko Riding the Carp19th century

Not on view

No image

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Okimono in the Form of Kinko Riding the Carp
Place Made: Japan
Date Made: 19th century
Period: Edo period (1603-1868) or Meiji period (1868-1912)
Medium: Hirado Mikawachi ware; porcelain with iron and blue glazes
Dimensions: 3 7/8 x 6 3/8 x 3 1/8 in. (9.8 x 16.2 x 7.9 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Allan and Maxine Kurtzman
Accession Number: M.2004.216.4
Classification: Ceramics
Collecting Area: Japanese Art
Curatorial Notes: This small sculpture is an ornamental object known as an okimono. A combination of oku (to place or put out) and mono (thing or article), the term identifies decorative objects meant for display, in particular small figurines and statues admired purely for their beauty and skill of craftsmanship. Made in a range of sizes and various materials, okimono took the form of human figures (AC1998.115.11), plants, animals (AC1998.115.25), mythical creatures, and religious motifs.

There are varying accounts of the life of Daoist immortal (sennin) Kinkō. He is said to have been an accomplished painter, fish being his preferred subject. One day, a great carp appeared to Kinkō and took him on an undersea journey. He returned vowing never to harm another fish and urged people to likewise refrain from killing or eating them. The scroll Kinkō carried upon his return is said to be a written record of this proclamation. After spreading his message, Kinkō mounted the giant carp and disappeared into the water, where he lived on.

2025