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ID #SA1152041
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Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Small Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Spiny Spider Crab
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1152041
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 #SA1152041
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Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Small Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Spiny Spider Crab

1900 - 1920
Sold 23 July 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Small Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Spiny Spider Crab” 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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Meiji Metalwork Sculpture Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) small bronze jizai (articulated) spiny spider crab with articulated (hinged) legs and claws. The sculpture is accurately modelled with all the anatomical characteristics of a real crab. Ca. 10cm wide x 8cm long x 3cm high, weights 200g.

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 Crab to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
3cm (1.18")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1152041
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1256
Description
Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) small bronze jizai (articulated) spiny spider crab with articulated (hinged) legs and claws. The sculpture is accurately modelled with all the anatomical characteristics of a real crab. Ca. 10cm wide x 8cm long x 3cm high, weights 200g.
fig 1. An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina.
fig 1. Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Small Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Spiny Spider Crab

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 Crab to the 1910s.

Height
3cm (1.18")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1152041
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1256
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 crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 7
Archive I An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Small Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Spiny Spider Crab

Archive II An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina. View II
Archive III An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina. View III
Archive IV An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina. View IV
Archive V An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina. View V
Archive VI An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina. View VI
Archive VII An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina. View VII
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 crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina.
Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) Small Bronze Jizai (Articulated) Spiny Spider Crab
Ref: SA1152041
An articulated bronze crab sculpture with movable legs and claws, featuring a dark brown oxidised patina.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculpture
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleJapanese Meiji
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsArticulated joints, Textured carapace, Pincer claws
  • SizeH 3 cm (1 in) x W 10 cm (4 in) x D 8 cm (3 in)

FAQs

Jizai okimono translates to freely moving placement figures, which are traditional Japanese articulated metal sculptures crafted with realistic moving joints mimicking real animals.

These pieces were traditionally hand-hammered and cast in metals such as bronze, iron, or shibuichi, with segments meticulously fitted together by skilled armorers and metalworkers.

Authenticity is typically verified by examining the complexity and fluidity of the articulation, the naturalistic patination, tool marks, and occasional artist signatures or school stamps.

It can be displayed as a focal object on a desk, bookshelf, or mantelpiece, allowing its intricate details and historical craftsmanship to contrast against clean, contemporary surfaces.

Preservation involves keeping the object in a stable environment away from high humidity and direct sunlight, dusting gently with a soft dry brush, and avoiding chemical cleaners to protect the natural patina.
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