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JAPAN, Meiji period A copper jizai-okimono in the form of a …
See original version (French)
112
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JAPAN, Meiji period A copper jizai-okimono in the form of a …
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
Voluntary lot
Description
JAPAN, Meiji period
A copper jizai-okimono in the form of a lobster, rendered in an extremely naturalistic style, with fully movable and articulated antennae, shells, tail and legs.
Bearing a signature "弘美" (Hiromi) beneath the carapace.
7 x 24 x 16.8 cm
(Complete model, in good overall condition)
"Jizai okimono" refers to Japanese articulated sculptures, developed mainly from the Edo period (1603–1868) and continuing into the Meiji era (1868–1912). Made of metal, most often iron or copper, these "okimono" (sculptures) demonstrate remarkable technical virtuosity, with each element meticulously assembled to reproduce the animals’ movements with striking naturalism. Among the most popular subjects are crustaceans, particularly lobsters and crayfish, whose segmented bodies lend themselves particularly well to this type of articulation. The antennae, legs and carapaces are thus fully movable, allowing for a variety of poses and enabling the animals to be imitated with great precision. These objects, which are both sculptures and technical feats, were intended for ornamentation and as curiosities, and reflect the exceptional craftsmanship of Japanese armourers who had retrained following the pacification of the country.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits:
Ilan Dehé
See original version (French)
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