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roger1952.bsky.social The Kimono Gallery @roger1952.bsky.social · Apr 1
A) A silver articulated model of a praying mantis, the wings chiselled and signed under the inner wing Muneyoshi
B) A silver articulated model of a cicada
C) A silver articulated model of a hornet, with protracting sting.
all Japan, Meiji (1868-1912)
The Japanese Meiji era (1868–1912) was a period of extraordinary artistic transition, where traditional metalworking skills originally developed for samurai armor were repurposed to create intricate, lifelike "articulated" models known as jizai okimono. This trio of silver models serves as a prime example of the incredible technical precision and anatomical detail achieved by master craftsmen during this time. The collection features a large praying mantis with finely chiseled wings—signed by the artist Muneyoshi beneath the inner wing—alongside a meticulously rendered cicada and a hornet complete with a realistic, protracting sting. These pieces are not merely static sculptures but functional mechanical marvels, with multiple joints that allow the insects to be posed in lifelike positions, reflecting a profound respect for the natural world through a high degree of craftsmanship. This focus on the minute details of nature and the pursuit of technical mastery is a consistent thread that runs throughout the history of Japanese visual arts.
July 26, 2026 at 1:05 PM