As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this captivating Meiji Period 1868-1912, iron and mixed metal study of a turtle being ridden by a young boy, the boy is full of glee as he clutches onto a gold coloured rope tethered around the turtles neck, the mischievous boy manufactured from mixed alloys. The turtle itself is formed from sheets of hammered iron, the skill and eye for detail of the recorded artist Hirata Nagayoshi can best be described as extraordinary, the carapace is hammered in such fine detail it is difficult to imagine that it hasn’t been moulded from an actual turtle shell, such is the realistic intricacy, the underside of this exquisite item is accurately finished in the minutest detail. The shell of the turtle lifts off to reveal a small silver lined storage container. A charming highly collectible study for your Japanese metalwork collection, fully artist signed in a gilt seal to the underside.
Literature :
Iron okimono of this type and quality are rare and highly coveted, in particular by the Japanese collectors who recognise the skills involved in the manufacturing process, in many instances iron okimono rank as more valuable than their equivalent silver and bronze examples.
Condition report :
Lovely Condition Throughout.
Approximate Sizes :
Length : 5″ 12.5 cm
Depth : 2 7/8″ 7.3 cm
Height : 2 1/8″ 5.3 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item – ep69