Meiji period (late 19th century)

Details

A Silvered-Copper Articulated Model of a Spiny Lobster (Ise Ebi)
Meiji period (late 19th century)
The silvered-copper spiny lobster constructed of multiple hammered and incised plates joined inside the body; with articulated and movable legs, abdomen, antennae, eyes and swimmerets
42.3 cm. long (tip of antennae to tip of tale)

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Lot Essay

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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