Anyone know what this is?

Hello

My husband brought me this a while ago,I can't find out anything about it from Google. I have looked at Chinese bronze makers marks and found nothing similar, or any pictures like it. I would really appreciate any help in identifying what is,and where it is from. Please see pictures. Many thanks.

 

I think Japanese. If it has any wee holes, a netsuke, otherwise an okimono.

 

I agree, a Japanese okimono.

 

Thanks owned by bear and mat. I am googling okimono and nothing is coming up similar. Is okimono the object type or the name of the makers? Sorry I am totally clueless on this.

 

Hello Haninia, welcome.
Okimono is simply a decorative object, often a small statue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okimono
I took the liberty of editing the signature, maybe that will help:


If you post pictures, could you click on full image? Here is a guide:
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/posting-a-thread-and-uploading-pictures.15990/

 

It's the type of object. They were small carvings made almost as playthings to be held in the hand of a Japanese man of high status. You may well not find an identical one.

 

The first Kanji is "一", ichi. But I cannot read the second one.

 

Thank you any jewelry that is very kind of you and a much better picture.
Thank you owned by bear. Wow, that's interesting, it is definitely unique.

 

Thanks mat.

 

Your gorgeous little okimono is not carved but cast bronze. It could be unique and is probably based on a Japanese story.
Japanese bronze casting skills were very advanced. Bronze okimono could be large and very intricate. But who wants large when they could have your charming little person in a conch.

 

Thank you. It has really started taking on a life of its own. I had no idea what is was or what it was for. It is gorgeous and it's great to know more about it.

 

That's Benkei inside the conch.

 

Thanks auv. Yes, of course, Benkei was a warrior monk.
I found a Benkei and conch okimono, not as nice as yours:

http://www.pbase.com/wensley/image/155182082

Here is some info on Benkei:
http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/b/benkei.htm

 

I've just been reading about Benkai,wow it is definitely him. Thank you for all your replies and help. This morning I had no idea what this trinket was and now it is a unique and interesting object. I am very excited to learn more.

 

Here is a clearer picture of the stamp. In case anyone recognises it.