Signed Muneyoshi (Tomiki Muneyoshi) (under the left smaller wing), Taisho - early Showa period (early 20th century)

Details

An Iron Articulated Model of a Butterfly
Signed Muneyoshi (Tomiki Muneyoshi) (under the left smaller wing), Taisho - early Showa period (early 20th century)
The iron butterfly constructed of multiple incised plates; with articulated and movable legs, wings and antennae
11.5 cm. wide (wingspan)

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Lot Essay

Tomiki Muneyoshi was adopted at the age of three by the master Kyoto artist Takase Kozan.

The basic principle of Japanese armour is its flexibility, being composed of a great number of small lacquered metal plates laced together in rows allowing freedom of movement. It is this freedom which gave rise to the word jizai to describe jizai okimono, or articulated ornaments. The subjects of the jizai okimono makers are chiefly dragons, snakes, crustaceans, birds, insects - any such creatures whose articulating feathers and scales protect them from harm, as do indeed the articulating components of a Japanese armour.

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