Miyao

Meiji period, 19th century

1868-1912

Okimono

A solid bronze okimono of a farmer smoking a pipe holding a hoe. Highlighted with gold gilding and polished bronze where the skin is present.

During the Edo period in Japan, there were four main classes of people and their position in society. These were samurai, farmers, artisans and tradesmen. The farmers were held higher is society due to their importance in growing food such as rice. Rice continues to be the main staple of the Japanese diet. Rice production became especially significant: feudal lords (daimyō) measured their wealth by it and peasants were required to pay taxes with it. A daimyō would need as much rice production as he could get to increase his wealth. farmers were viewed as the foundation of Japan and granted a social standing just below the samurai class. Yet the government made their lives oppressive and difficult. It was important to keep farmers working and away from urban centres, the government restricted their ability to travel under certain restrictions. Living under excruciating regulations, many farmers were taxed into poverty. Though they grew rice (the currency of the day), they were unable to keep much. Instead, they lived meagrely on millet, wheat and barley.

115mm x 79mm

Signed Miyao