A RARE AND IMPRESSIVE PATINATED BRONZE ARTICULATED MODEL OF A SNAKE

A RARE AND IMPRESSIVE PATINATED BRONZE ARTICULATED MODEL OF A SNAKE
Japan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The fully articulated jizai okimono constructed of numerous hammered plates joined inside the body, the head incised with scales and fitted with a hinged jaw opening to reveal a movable tongue, finished with a warm coppery patina, the eyes embellished with gilt, the pupils black.
LENGTH 117 cm
WEIGHT 1,292 g
Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.
Provenance: European collection.
With a partly gilt metal stand with a chrysanthemum-form base.
The art of creating lifelike figures of animals in metal, known as jizai okimono, which developed during the Edo period, is an example of outstanding Japanese craftsmanship. Meticulously constructed with hammered plates, usually made from iron, these articulated figures were greatly sought after for decorative use. They were placed in alcoves alongside pieces of porcelain, pottery and hanging scrolls, and were the object of entertainment and discussion.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related shibuichi snake by Kozan, finished with a gray patina, dated early 20th century, at Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 September 2013, New York, lot 763 (
sold for 99,750 USD
).