UP FOR SALE: This is an authentic vintage Japanese ojime bead depicting the Zodiac Monkey, hand-carved during the early?mid Showa era (1930s?1950s). Beautifully detailed with expressive facial carving, curled zodiac posture, and a clear two-kanji artisan signature. The bead shows warm natural patina and darkened recesses consistent with true mid-century bone. Crafted using traditional multi-piece laminated construction, a technique used by Japanese ojime workshops to achieve strong, perfectly rounded forms before carving. This Monkey is one of the more desirable zodiac subjects and displays excellent depth, texture, and character. Approx size: ~1 inch Type: Ojime bead (found in Netsuke category) Zodiac Animal: Monkey Signed: Yes Origin: Japan Era: Early?Mid Showa (circa 1930s?50s) Condition: Vintage patina, no cracks, no repairs An outstanding collector piece ? signed zodiac ojime in bone are increasingly scarce, especially from this period and this workshop. I?m listing several other signed mid-century Japanese zodiac ojime from the same workshop. If you collect these, check my other listings ? they?re all different animals and all hand-carved bone. AS IS AS SHOWN ? Please check out all the pics and zoom in for the best look. Photos tell the story better than I ever could! Thanks so much for looking! Vintage and secondhand goodies usually have some character (aka flaws). I do my best to describe everything honestly, but I?m no expert. What you see is what you get. All my stuff comes from a smoke-free home and gets a good cleaning before it heads out. I ship Monday through Saturday fast and packed with care! Colors might look a little different depending on your screen and lighting. Props are just for show -- only the item(s) listed in the title are included. Got a problem? Message me first! I'm easy to work with and want you to be happy! Poke around my store if you want, I am happy to bundle shipping! Visit my Store for more great finds!