Japanese Bronze Articulated Crab Okimono Meiji by Yasunosuke Ryubundo VI

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Antique Japanese Jizai okimono in the form of crab in cast bronze made by Ryubundo Yasunosuke VI (1840-1921), a sixth … Read more Antique Japanese Jizai okimono in the form of crab in cast bronze made by Ryubundo Yasunosuke VI (1840-1921), a sixth generation of the Yasunosuke family active in Meiji and Taisho period. Naturalistically modeled and crafted in refined details, the bronze sculpture features a crawling crab with articulated legs on all second joints and a textured surface that closely resembles the crustacean’s shell. The bronze is patinated to a deep reddish-brown finish. Signed to the underside Yasunosuke. We also have a very similar piece by the artist that is not articulated.
The rocks are for display only and are not included with the okimono.
As an ornamental display item, this type of small sculpture with articulated parts is known in Japanese as Jizai. They became popular in late Edo to Meiji period. Due to the declined demand of the weapons starting in the peaceful Edo period under the Shogunate, many metalwork families including Ryubundo lineage switched from making weaponry to bronze artwork including statues and smaller okimono. They transferred their skills in metal work into a new art form that ultimately attracted the attention of the west audience as well.
The Ryubundo lineage spanned eight generations, operating from the end of the Edo period until 1958. It was founded by Ryubundo Yasunosuke I (Shikata Yasunosuke, 1786–1841).
Ryubundo Yasunosuke VI (Mizoguchi Kihei, 1840–1921) was the most prominent master of the Meiji and Taisho eras. He is particularly celebrated for his intricate bronze work and articulated figures. See less