A large Japanese Meiji Period articulated bronze spiny lobster

Object Description

A Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) fully articulated bronze model (Jizai) of a spiny lobster.

Object History

Spiny Lobster

The Japanese spiny lobster is a poplar high class food in Asia, it is found in the Pacific Ocean and is farmed commercially. It grows to about 30cm and can live for 20 years making it a symbol of longevity.

Jizai

Jizai (from the Japanese to move) Okimono are articulated sculptures of insects, sealife or animals. The first ones were made as curiosities by the armorers for the Samurai, they were put aside as a bit of fun. But when the Meiji Restoration happened and the Samurai became obsolete, the armorers had to find a new use for their skills. They turned back to Jizai making and developed their skills using many different metals, such as iron, bronze and silver. The resulting artworks were very popular in west and it became a new source of revenue, the Myochin family were particularly skilled Jizai artists and many of their works now reside in museums.

Object Condition

Condition – Excellent, joints are free moving

Object Details