A Copper Articulated Model of a Prawn

This is the work of the metal artist, Tanaka Tadayoshi (? - 1958), who used the signature Muneyoshi and is known for his articulated iron figures of the Taisho and early Showa periods. Tadayoshi apprenticed in the Kyoto workshop of Takase Kozan (1869-1934), who directed the production of ornamental iron pieces for both domestic and international markets.

A group of articulated models of insects and a model of a snake by the same artist were sold in Christie’s New York, 15 April 2016, lots 70 and 71, sale 11930.

The basic principle of Japanese armour is its flexibility, being composed of a great number of small lacquered metal plates laced together in rows allowing freedom of movement. It is this freedom which gave rise to the word jizai to describe jizai okimono, or articulated ornaments. The subjects of the jizai okimono makers are chiefly dragons, snakes, crustaceans, birds, insects - any such creatures whose articulating feathers and scales protect them from harm, as do indeed the articulating components of a Japanese armour.