A RARE ARTICULATED BRONZE MODEL OF A CRAB

A RARE ARTICULATED BRONZE MODEL OF A CRAB
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

A naturalistically crafted bonze model of a crab with fully articulated claws and legs, the surface worked to resemble the crustacean's natural shell. The bronze is patinated to a reddish-brown finish.

LENGTH 19 cm
WEIGHT 738 g

Condition: Very good condition with age-related surface wear.
Provenance: French private collection.

Auction comparison:
An almost identical model was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2018, London, lot 427 (sold for 4,375 GBP).