Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed

Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed
Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed

Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed

A large articulate spiny lobster (Ise-Ebi) as an ornamental display item, known in Japanese as Jizai Okimono, was made by Myochin Muneyuki circa 1940-50s. The lobster was meticulously constructed in life-size with patinated iron in a realistic fashion.

It is completely articulate within joins, from the body to the tail, the antennas to every single limb. It shows an attractive aged patina. Signed "Made by Myochin Muneyuki" on the belly as shown. Myochin lineage was an old blacksmith clan known for their metalwork in samurai armors, swords and fittings.

Myochin Muneyuki was born in Tokyo in 1917 and became the 51st head of the family. It is said that the metalworkers initially made these to showcase their skills and later in Meiji restoration when weaponry-making declined, it became an independent business itself.

Metal okimono became popular in Meiji period, especially Jizai, the articulate animal figure that was painstakingly crafted, often by metal artists whose lineages were traced to pre-Edo period for Samurai clans. The length of the lobster is 15"L x 6.5"W x6H with antennas fully extended. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Statues". The seller is "gallery-t" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.


Large Japanese Articulate Iron Lobster Jizai Okimono Signed