Page 9 - September 21 2021 Important Japanese Art Christie's NYC

PROPERTY FROM A PRINCELY COLLECTION
3 A COPPER ARTICULATED MODEL OF A LOBSTER

20TH CENTURY, SIGNED KOZANBO MUNEAKI (ISHIKAWA MUSABURO OF KOZAN
WORKSHOP)

The copper lobster constructed of numerous
hammered plates joined inside the body, the
body bends and the eyes, antennae, limbs, fins
and legs move, the details finely carved and
chiseled, the body with reddish-brown patina;
signature on underside of fin
12Ω in. (31.8 cm.) long

$15,000-25,000

With their intricate bending shell, claws and antennae, shrimp
and lobster are ideal subjects for the master jizai metalworker.
The flexible body of the shrimp has the positive meaning of
the things going along smoothly and the spiny carcass of the
lobster calls up samurai armor. The Japanese word for shrimp,
ebi, translates literally as “old man of the sea”, suggesting
longevity. In Japan, shrimp and lobster are served as special
occasions and arranged in displays celebrating the New Year.
This type of lobster is called Ise ebi in Japanese as many of
these lobsters are harvested in Ise Province, Mie Prefecture.
It is said that the spiny shell of lobster protects people from
demon (oni) and brings good luck. In some of regions in Ise
province, there is an old custom of decorating the sacred rope
at shrines (shimenawa) with a lobster shells.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861). Phoenix and Giant
Lobster, from the series Kinju zukai (Chat of Birds and
Beasts). Japan. Edo period, 19th century.