Japanese Articulate Praying Mantis Jizai Okimono Myochin Linage Signed

A bronze Japanese okimono cast in refined and realistic form of a praying mantis attributed to Myochin lineage circa 19th century of Meiji period. The insect features a segmented body with articulated wing that can move and flip up. All limbs with joints are semi-articulated. As an ornamental display item, this type of item is known in Japanese as Jizai Okimono. Realistic casted with biological details such as the veins on the wings, the piece is signed under the belly with an archaic form seal that is not fully discernible except one character "Mune" which was widely used in the names of the members of Myochin lineage; therefore, we make such an attribution.
The metal okimono became popular in Meiji period, especially Jizai, the articulate animal figure that was painstakingly crafted, often by metal artists who made weaponry for Shoguns and Samurai, whose lineages were traced to pre-Edo period. Myochin lineage was possibly dated as far back as the Heian period and was known for their metalwork in swords and fittings. It has over 50 generations and numerous well knowns members as celebrated metalsmith. It is said that they initially made okimonos to showcase their skills and later in Edo and then Meiji restoration when weaponry-making declined, it became an independent business itself as collectibles for pleasure.
See a similar earlier praying mantis in the collection of British Museum by Myochin Munemasu with Museum number 1981,0808.249
The rock is for display only and is not included in the shipping.