Large Japanese Articulate Lobster Okimono Meiji Period Signed
- 铜
An articulate spiny lobster (Ise-Ebi) as an ornamental display item, known in Japanese as Jizai Okimono, was made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period. The lobster was meticulously constructed with copper or a copper alloy in a realistic fashion and life-size. It is completely articulate within joins, from the body to the tail, from the antennas to every single limbs. Signed "made by Hiroyoshi" on the belly as shown.
The 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. Myochin lineage was known for their metalwork in swords and fittings. 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 as collectibles.
The length of the lobster is 15.25" when fully extended. The body itself is 8.2".