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ID #SA1152039
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Superb Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Lobster
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1152039
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 35 items
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Id #SA1152039
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Superb Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Lobster

1900 - 1920
Sold 22 July 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Superb Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Lobster” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

Rare Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) bronze jizai lobster (okimono) with articulated (hinged) legs, claws and body. The sculpture is accurately modelled with all the anatomical characteristics of a real lobster. Ca. 26cm long x 14cm wide x 6cm high, weight 750g. Signed on the tail (cannot read).

Excellent original condition.

From the 17th century, the production of articulated (jizai) models began with relatively peaceful Edo era (1600-1868) in Japan. During this period the master metal craftsmen who made the samurai armour turned to the production of these collectors’ items. Articulated works of art typically represent crustaceans and insects, but also birds, fish, snakes and mythical animals such as dragons.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Jizai Lobster to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1152039
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1255
Description
Rare Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) bronze jizai lobster (okimono) with articulated (hinged) legs, claws and body. The sculpture is accurately modelled with all the anatomical characteristics of a real lobster. Ca. 26cm long x 14cm wide x 6cm high, weight 750g. Signed on the tail (cannot read).
fig 1. An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws.
fig 1. Superb Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Lobster

Excellent original condition.

“
From the 17th century, the production of articulated (jizai) models began with relatively peaceful Edo era (1600-1868) in Japan.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

During this period the master metal craftsmen who made the samurai armour turned to the production of these collectors’ items. Articulated works of art typically represent crustaceans and insects, but also birds, fish, snakes and mythical animals such as dragons.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Jizai Lobster to the 1910s.

Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1152039
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1255
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 6
Archive I An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Superb Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Lobster

Archive II An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws. View II
Archive III An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws. View III
Archive IV An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws. View IV
Archive V An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws. View V
Archive VI An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 783
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws.
Superb Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Lobster
Ref: SA1152039
An articulated bronze lobster sculpture featuring movable segmented body parts and detailed claws.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Statues
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsArticulated segments, Textured claws, Naturalistic antennae
  • SizeH 6 cm (2 in) x W 26 cm (10 in) x D 14 cm (6 in)

FAQs

Jizai Okimono translates to freely movable placement objects, which are highly realistic, articulated metal figures crafted by traditional metalsmiths in Japan primarily during the Edo and Meiji periods.

These pieces are typically cast or hammered from metals such as bronze, iron, or shibuichi, featuring intricate hand-assembled segments and pins that allow limbs and joints to articulate naturally.

Authentic pieces exhibit precise craftsmanship with seamless joint integration, naturalistic weight, appropriate surface patination consistent with age, and occasionally artisan signatures or seals.

Position the piece as a focal point on a flat surface such as a mantelpiece, coffee table, or cabinet top where its detailed craftsmanship can be closely appreciated without competing clutter.

Dust gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth and avoid using chemical polishes or water, as these can strip the historical patina and damage the delicate metal components.
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