By Tanaka Tadayoshi (d. 1958), signed Muneyoshi
Japan, early 20^th century

Exhibited: Galerie Espace 4, Paris, Les animaux articulés chez les forgerons japonais, 13 October -13 November 1999, and illustrated in the accompanying catalog, no. 6.

The patinated russet iron snake constructed of close-fitting hammered plates joined inside the body, the head chased and engraved with scales and fitted with a hinged jaw opening to reveal the tongue and teeth, the eyes finished in shakudo and gilt, signed MUNEYOSHI under the snake’s chin.

LENGTH 100 cm
WEIGHT 408 g

Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear.
Provenance: Galerie Espace 4, Paris, 1999. French private collection, acquired from the above.

This is the work of Tanaka Tadayoshi (d. 1958), a modern metal artist active in the Taisho and Showa periods. He apprenticed in the Kyoto workshop of Takase Kozan (1869-1934), who directed the studio creating articulated sculptures for both domestic and international markets.

The basic principle of Japanese armor is its flexibility, being composed of a great number of small, lacquered metal plates laced together in rows allowing freedom of movement. It is this freedom which gave rise to the word jizai to describe jizai okimono, or articulated ornaments. The subjects of the jizai okimono makers are chiefly dragons, snakes, crustaceans, birds, insects – any such creatures whose articulating feathers and scales protect them from harm, as do indeed the articulating components of a Japanese armor. Meticulously constructed with hammered plates of iron, these articulated figures were greatly sought after for decorative use and were the object of entertainment and discussion.

The snake symbolizes successful harvests and fertility. In the field, the snake eats mice and other pests. The molting nature of the reptile suggests regeneration and immortality. Often seen at shrines and the front doors of houses at the New Year, sacred ropes (shimenawa) symbolize sanctity and purity. The entwined and twisted form of the ropes derives from mating snakes. Ugajin, the serpent guardian and fertility deity in Japanese mythology, is often depicted with a snake body and a human head and is also worshipped for good fortune.

Literature comparison:
For a similar work signed Muneyoshi in the British Museum, registration number HG.207, see Harada Kazutoshi (ed.) (2010) Jizai okimono / Articulated Iron Figures of Animals, Rokusho 11, pl. 12.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related iron articulated model of a snake by the same artist, also signed Muneyoshi, dated to the early 20^th century, 97.5 cm long, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 20 March 2013, New York, lot 680 (sold for USD 52,500). Also compare a related iron articulated model of a snake, by Munekazu, 135.5 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 27 May 2022, Vienna, lot 33 (sold for EUR 94,800).