Page 147 - Bonhams Fine Japanese Art London Nov. 2019

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A SILVERED-METAL ARTICULATED MODEL OF A LOBSTER
By Takase Torakichi (Kozan, 1869-1934) of Kanazawa,
Meiji (1868-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era, early 20th century
Realistically rendered, the leg joints, tail and antennae intricately
constructed of smoothly moving parts, signed on the underside of
the tail Kozan saku; with a wood tomobako storage box inscribed
outside the lid Ise-ebi (Spiny Lobster) with a seal, signed and
sealed inside the lid Kozan.
26.2cm (10 5/8in) long with retracted antennae. (2).

£12,000 - 15,000
JPY1,600,000 - 2,000,000
US$15,000 - 18,000
The eldest son of Takase Kanatake, in 1883 Takase Kozan started
working in the export department of Ikeda Seisuke’s craft export
company in Kobe, transferring in 1887 to the Kyoto branch
where he learned metalworking techniques from Tomiki Isuke.
In 1893 Kozan started his own business selling metalwork both
domestically and internationally. In 1910, the Crown Prince (the
future Taisho Emperor) purchased several of Kozan’s astonishingly
realistic articulated insects during a formal visit to Kyoto.
208
AN IRON ARTICULATED MODEL OF A PRAYING MANTIS
Probably by a member of the Myochin lineage, Meiji (1868-1912)
or Taisho (1912-1926) era, late 19th/early 20th century
Realistically rendered and finely constructed from numerous russet-
iron hammered plates with hidden joints inside the body, the leg 208
joints, head, wings, tail and antennae constructed of moving parts,
unsigned; with a wood storage box.
5.5cm x 9.5cm (2 1/8in x 3¾in). (2).
£2,000 - 3,000
JPY260,000 - 400,000
US$2,500 - 3,700

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. FINE JAPANESE ART | 145