noun
ornament; decorative object
A physical object placed for decoration, such as a figurine, vase, or display piece.
棚に小さな置物を飾っている。
I have a small ornament displayed on the shelf.
この置物は祖母からもらったものです。
This decorative object is something I received from my grandmother.
noun
figurehead; leader without real power
Metaphorical use for a person who holds a title but has no real authority or influence.
彼は会長だが、実質的には置物にすぎない。
He is the chairman, but in reality he is nothing more than a figurehead.