A Japanese articulated wood jizai okimono of a rattle snake by Masakazu
Meji-period, late 19th century
The fully articulated body of the reptile realistically rendered, with a movable lower jaw, fangs and tongue and with eyes cleverly inlaid in yellow horn. The surface of the wooden scales has a warm golden brown patina. It is signed Masakazu in an oblong mother-of-pearl reserve underneath the jaw.
L. 175 cm
After Japan ended its isolation and opened up to the world, the craftsmen who usually would make samurai armour - similarly made like the scales of the snake - lost their jobs. They started producing okimono like the one present, literally translating to ‘thing to look at’.
The fully articulated body of the reptile realistically rendered, with a movable lower jaw, fangs and tongue and with eyes cleverly inlaid in yellow horn. The surface of the wooden scales has a warm golden brown patina. It is signed Masakazu in an oblong mother-of-pearl reserve underneath the jaw.
L. 175 cm
After Japan ended its isolation and opened up to the world, the craftsmen who usually would make samurai armour - similarly made like the scales of the snake - lost their jobs. They started producing okimono like the one present, literally translating to ‘thing to look at’.
Part of the Japan collection.
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