Description:

East Asia, Japan, Edo to Meiji period, ca. mid 19th to early 20th century CE. A bronze articulated model of a lobster, signed on the underside of its carapace. Meticulously constructed of numerous hammered plates jointed inside the body to make for a flexible form, the body bends with ease. In addition, antennae, limbs, tail, and even eyes (to an extent) move; surfaces are beautifully incised, some areas detailed in repousse, and entirely finished with a reddish-brown patina. This piece is a fabulous example of jizai okimono or lifelike, articulated animal figures. Such pieces were first created during a peaceful period in the 17th century when the business of crafting samurai armor calmed down and some metalsmiths turned their attention to realizing articulated sculptures like this example. Size: 9.5" L (24.1 cm)

A similar example, signed Kozan (Takase Kozan; 1869-1934) with cursive monogram (kao) sold at Christies New York for $37,500 on April 25, 2017.

See listing: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-bronze-articulated-model-of-a-lobster-6067716-details.aspx

For further contextual information, see this article: http://www.christies.com/features/A-Samurai-armourers-articulated-dragon-8184-3.aspx

Provenance: private Salter collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#125649

  • Condition: Slight surface wear. Nice patina. Articulated parts move very smoothly.

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July 20, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000