Edo To Meiji Era Articulated Jizai Bronze Crab

An extremely rare Bronze Jizai Okimono Swimmer Crab attributed to famed armourer and sword maker Ishiguro Masayoshi from Japan’s late Edo to Early Meiji Period 1850s to 1890s.

The slimmer body build and fins on the rear articulated legs confirm that it is a Swimmer Crab rather than a Rock or Land Crab Jizai which although still being quite rare in themselves, Jizai Swimmer Crabs are much scarcer and extremely rare to find. Especially in this condition.

The crab has 32 fully moveable parts with all legs and claws as well as its eyes being articulated and able to be realistically moved. The Japanese call these objects Jizai Okimono 自在置物 which means ‘a freely moving image’. This is a very fine and very scarce, high quality craftsman made Bronze with a beautiful patina.

Approximate Dimensions:
23cm wide and 12cm deep (Pincers and rear legs extended)
4cm high (upright position).

The crab will ship in a quality traditional Japanese wooden box.
Shipping is via Australia Post and includes tracking and insurance.

Please contact us for price

Jizai Okizono are naturally articulating representations of animals.  The craftsmanship of articulated Jizai Okimono has been a Japanese art for many generations.  The subjects depicted include insects and snakes, crustaceans and even mythical dragons and fish. The materials used have been iron, bronze and sometimes silver and gold. This demonstration of craftsmanship by armorours and sword makers originated at the beginning of the 18th century to express their craftsmanship and skills in fabricating complex armour and weapons.

Info Links:
Ishiguro Masayoshi 石黒政美 – Bio
Christies Jizai Okimono

 

Product Description

Edo To Meiji Era Articulated Jizai Bronze Crab

An extremely rare Bronze Jizai Okimono Swimmer Crab attributed to famed armourer and sword maker Ishiguro Masayoshi from Japan’s late Edo to Early Meiji Period 1850s to 1890s.

The slimmer body build and fins on the rear articulated legs confirm that it is a Swimmer Crab rather than a Rock or Land Crab Jizai which although still being quite rare in themselves, Jizai Swimmer Crabs are much scarcer and extremely rare to find. Especially in this condition.

The crab has 32 fully moveable parts with all legs and claws as well as its eyes being articulated and able to be realistically moved. The Japanese call these objects Jizai Okimono 自在置物 which means ‘a freely moving image’. This is a very fine and very scarce, high quality craftsman made Bronze with a beautiful patina.

Approximate Dimensions:
23cm wide and 12cm deep (Pincers and rear legs extended)
4cm high (upright position).

The crab will ship in a quality traditional Japanese wooden box.
Shipping is via Australia Post and includes tracking and insurance.

Please contact us for price

Jizai Okizono are naturally articulating representations of animals.  The craftsmanship of articulated Jizai Okimono has been a Japanese art for many generations.  The subjects depicted include insects and snakes, crustaceans and even mythical dragons and fish. The materials used have been iron, bronze and sometimes silver and gold. This demonstration of craftsmanship by armorours and sword makers originated at the beginning of the 18th century to express their craftsmanship and skills in fabricating complex armour and weapons.

Info Links:
Ishiguro Masayoshi 石黒政美 – Bio
Christies Jizai Okimono

 

 

 

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