We think we have chosen something rather fun to be this months’ Featured Item. (As always, you can click on any of the images in this article to take a closer look.)
This charming Japanese, late 19th Century Bronze Okimono depicts the humorous scene as an anthropomorphized Macaque examines a Silver Netsuke of…. a Macaque.
The monkey is holding up the Netsuke and inspecting it through a pair of gold-rimmed “Pince-nez” (armless spectacles) which he holds to his eyes with his right hand.
The Silver-patinated Netsuke is attached to a fine Inro that is itself decorated with a Gold butterfly flying towards a spray of Chrysanthemum.
The Macaque wears a sleeveless jacket and a closed fan sits on the floor by his right foot. On his other side lies a notebook. That combined with the studious expression on his face, makes us think that he may be about to write down some comments about his observations once he has finished scrutinising the miniature monkey.
As is often the case with Japanese works of art, if you look a little closer, there is plenty more symbolism to be found on this wonderful example of Meiji-era craftsmanship.
Macaques are a popular figure often portrayed in Japanese art. Due to their playful nature, they are often depicted as creatures of humour. The dichotomy of that particular character trait coupled with the academic demeanour of this macaque itself, adds to the comedy.
The Monkey is the ninth animal in the Zodiac calendar. In China it is seen as a symbol of intelligence and comedy, playfulness and adaptability. Those born in the year of the Monkey are said to be witty, charming and resourceful. All this means that the Monkey is known as one of the most lively and mischievous Zodiac signs.
As a mediator between humans and Gods, the monkey was thought to be able to dispel evil spirits and to bring good fortune.
Chrysanthemum, (the flowers, picked out in Gold that adorn the Inro) are not only an Imperial symbol in Japan but they represent purity, longevity, rejuvenation and beauty.
Meanwhile, the back of the monkeys jacket is decorated with falling Acer leaves. The Acer, (otherwise known as the Japanese Maple) symbolises endurance, strength and resilience as it is able to withstand the harshest of conditions. The leaves of the Acer specifically represent transformation and change due to the vibrant range of colours they take with the passing of each season. Their delicate form also sees them linked with the beauty and fragility of life.
Also on the back of the jacket is a large fruit, likely a Persimmon. The Persimmon is a common fruit in Japan and is known as “the fruit of the Gods”. They represent good fortune and often feature in artworks.
Persimmon are forever associated with the macaque through the popular Japanese folk story, “The Monkey and the Crab”. You can read our retelling of that legendary tale by clicking Clicking Here or on the image below.
The Bronze base is covered in a repeated archaic pattern and the sides of the base feature stylised Baku. The Baku is a mythical chimeric creature which loosely resembles an Elephant. It was said that the Baku would eat nightmares and protect those around it from pestilence and evil.
We like to imagine that if you were to inspect the tiny Silver Netsuke under a microscope you might discover that the Silver Monkey is examining an even smaller figure of a Monkey and that minute monkey might be himself, holding a microscopic figure etc etc..
During the Meiji-era (1868-1912), monkeys were often anthropomorphised in Japanese art. With a rapidly growing export market for Japanese products, craftsmen were tasked with producing imaginative, inspiring works of art that would appeal to potential customers in Europe and the USA. Here are some other wonderful Japanese works of art from our collection of Japanese Meiji-era antiques that feature amusing Macaques. Click Here or on the image below to search through our online gallery.
Click on the video below to see a slide-show of photographs of this wonderful piece:
We hope you enjoyed this article. You can discover over 100 blogs and short stories inspired by our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques by Clicking Here.
