Search Collections

Japanese Carved Keyaki Wood Zodiac Snake

A Japanese hand-carved keyaki wood sculpture depicting a snake, one of the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac. The serpent is shown dramatically entwined around the branches of a tree, its body carved with stylized scales and strong, expressive detailing. Unsigned, and presented on a black lacquered base. Accompanied by its fitted paulownia wood tomobako storage box. Measurements listed exclude base.

Provenance: The Estate of John Adair Jr. (1942–2025), founder and proprietor of Kurofune Antiques in Tokyo (est. 1978), a world-renowned destination for Japanese basketry, prints, and furniture, featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal.