As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this exceptionally scarce size Meiji Period 1868-1912, fully articulated wooden Jizai okimono of a snake measuring a whopping 1.75 metres in length, the lifelike rendition painstakingly manufactured from dozens of individually carved wood sections, cleverly joined together to form a fully articulated model generically referred to as a Jiazi okimono (okimono that freely moves ). In this instance the recorded artist Masakazu has designed and carved a huge scale reptile, with further highlights that include a moving lower jaw, tongue and even the top teeth fold back into the mouth, the snakes piercing eyes are formed from shell as is the artist signature to the underside of the jaw. A very scarce size highly collectable Jizai okimono that would sit well in any Japanese works of art collection.
Literature :
It is thought that the first recorded Jizai Okimono was manufactured as an iron Dragon as early as the 17th century by the famous armorers Myochin.
For an example of a much smaller wooden snake okimono measuring 112 cm by the same artist see : Christies, Art of Japan sale number 13127, 8th Dec 2016 , Lot 19.
Provenance :
European collection since the 1970’s
Condition report :
Remarkable intact condition.
Approximate Sizes :
Length : 69″ 175.5 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.