A SILVER ARTICULATED MODEL OF A PRAYING MANTIS
SIGNED KOZAN (TAKASE KOZAN; 1869-1934), MEIJI-TAISHO PERIOD (EARLY 20TH CENTURY)
The silver praying mantis finely constructed of numerous hammered parts joined together with movable wings, limbs and head, the details finely chiseled
4 in. (10.2 cm.) long
With original wood box titled kamakiri (praying mantis) and sealed on the lid and signed and sealed Kozan on reverse

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Lot Essay

Kozan was born in Kanazawa City, north of Kyoto. He studied metalwork under Tomiki Isuke (1853-1894), a blacksmith from Kanazawa who moved to Kyoto and began to specialize in articulated iron crabs and lobsters. In 1893, Kozan established his own business producing metalwork and other products for both the domestic and export markets. Kozan was well known for his articulated figures of insects.

For a similar work in Mitsui Memorial Museum, see Harada Kazutoshi, ed., Jizai okimono Articulated Iron Figures of Animals, vol. 11 of Rokusho 11, special issue (Kyoto: Maria Shobo, Ltd., 2010), pl. 59.