As part of our Japanese art collection we are delighted to offer this increasingly scarce pair of ivory articulated crabs from the Meiji period , the crabs are undoubtably made by the same carver and probably put together to represent male and female ,due to the difference in sizes , the ivory is of the finest quality used to produce crustaceans of this type, remarkably each crab has 34 moving components finely engineered and held in place with ivory pins, the lifelike eyes have been gold lacquered for effect, the shells have such a realistic finish to the top whilst the underside is finished to perfection, you could just as easily be handling a real crab !!
The condition is stunning considering that between them they have 68 moving components , for complete accuracy we notice a couple of tiny old professional spliced repairs on one or two leg joints (example see pic 8 rear leg)otherwise wonderful patiantion and condition .
Approximate sizes
Large crab
Max Width 10.5″ 27 cm
Body size 3″ 7.5 cm x 2.75″ 7 cm
Smaller crab
Max Width 9″ 23 cm
Body size 2.5″ 6.3 cm x 2.25″ 5.7 cm
We may consider splitting the crabs.
Free worldwide delivery included in the price of this item , buyers outside the EU are fully responsible for the costs of any licences that may be required, see our other services.