UP FOR SALE: Vintage Japanese ojime bead depicting the Zodiac Ox (Bull), hand-carved in the early?mid Showa era (1930s?1950s). This piece features strong facial carving, a rounded zodiac pose, carved tail curve, and a deep two-kanji artisan signature. The bead shows rich natural patina with warm coloration and darkened recesses classic to true mid-century beads. Constructed using the laminated technique employed by Japanese ojime workshops of the period, ensuring a durable, smoothly rounded base before detailed carving. The Ox is a meaningful zodiac figure symbolizing strength, diligence, and prosperity ? a popular animal among collectors and those seeking zodiac symbolism. Approx size: ~1 inch Type: Ojime bead (listed under Netsuke category) Zodiac Animal: Ox (Bull) Signed: Yes Origin: Japan Era: Early?Mid Showa (circa 1930s?50s) Condition: Excellent vintage patina, no cracks, no repairs A superb collector piece ? signed bone zodiac ojime like this are increasingly rare, especially from cohesive mid-century workshops. 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!