Okimono (Handaka Sonja with a dragon)

Japan, second half of 19th century

Ivory carving, coloured details, mother-of-pearl, metal

H: 11.5 cm

O 206a

Handaka Sonja – here with his attribute, a dragon – was a rakan, one of the sixteen disciples of Buddha, who possessed supernatural powers. Handaka Sonja is shown carrying his dragon in a bowl.

An okimono is a decorative object that was originally displayed in a tokonoma – a recessed showcase in the livingroom of a Japanese home.

l okimono