This fantastic example of Japanese Meiji-era metalwork is part of our collection of articulated creatures on display at our Galleries in Islington, North London. The jizai shrimp is made from Iron and is finished with gilt eyes. Do let us know if you would like additional photographs or if you would like to arrange a viewing.
Condition: Excellent
Shrimp
Shrimp is a food staple in Japan, and as such is featured in their folk tales and artworks. Legend has it that the shrimp got it’s shape from sleeping in the nostril of a large fish which then sneezed, hurling the shrimp into a cliff. The segmented structure of the shrimp similar to samurai armour lends itself to being reproduced in metal form.
Jizai Okimono
Jizai (meaning ‘at will’) Okimono (meaning ‘decorative object’) are realistic articulated figures of insects, birds, reptile, fish and mythical beasts. Most early examples are made of iron, but copper, bronze and silver became popular in later designs.
It is not clear for what purpose Jizai Okimono were originally made, but the general consensus is that as Japan became unified and more peaceful, the demand for armor and weaponry greatly diminished, and eventually the wearing of swords was banned entirely. So the armor makers turned their skills to making other items such as Jizai okimono.
Good, wear consistent with age
By appointment only.
