Posted 8 years ago
Bugguy
(17 items)
This solid metal skull is one of my favorite items in my Cabinet of Curiosity. It dates from the Meiji Period in Japan (1868 - 1912) and is likely made from antimony - a metal similar to lead and mined in China. The signature on the bottom is raised and made to look like a plaque.The skull is 1 3/4" high and 2 1/2" long.
I have no history to go with this. It was an estate sale find almost 40 years ago. I've seen one of these at auction years ago and would appreciate any additional information.
![[GN1-04-5-15] Japanese Sword: NBTHK Masahori Katana in Shirasaya & Koshirae](https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/KTUAAOSwEglmI~L-/s-l225.jpg)
![[GN1-04-5-02] Japanese Sword: Mumei Tanto in Katana Koshirae](https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/aN8AAOSwDEVmIqiK/s-l225.jpg)
![[GN1-04-5-14] Japanese Sword: Mumei Katana in Shirasaya & Koshirae + Tsunagi](https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/g2gAAOSwjTVmI-1-/s-l225.jpg)
Bugguy if no-one here can help maybe one of the Japanese groups on Facebook can.
I find this group friendly and helpful:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/collectingjapaneseceramics/
Looks to be bronze. I didn't find anything exactly like your skull online. I did, however, find something similar (unsigned):
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Antique-Japanese-Meiji-Human-Skull-Monkey-Hand-Holding-it-Bronze-Sculpture-Rare-/371425732214
it appears to be areal bronze age skull. lol
Actually, I came across this one - same inscription, but lacquered.
http://www.finch-and-co.co.uk/antiquities/d/japanese-lacquered-antimony-naturalistic-okimono-of-a-human-skull-/82704