| 中文版 English

具体要求

其它要求

-
关闭
AN EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE BRONZE OKIMONO OF A SNAKE
奥地利
06月12日 晚上7点 开拍 / 06月10日 下午3点 截止委托
拍品描述
AN EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE BRONZE OKIMONO OF A SNAKE

Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Naturalistically cast in a sinuous, elongated form, the snake is shown with its body undulating across the ground while the forepart rises upright in an alert and poised stance. The eyes are gilt with shakudo pupils intensifying its gaze. The scales are meticulously rendered in tight, regular patterning, in contrast, the underside is articulated with broader, segmented plates.

LENGTH 38.3 cm
WEIGHT 517 g

Condition: Excellent condition.

This bronze okimono evokes the celebrated iron snake sculptures created by masters in the jizai okimono tradition, such as Takase Kozan and artists from the Myochin school. Known for their naturalistic and articulated animal figures, these artists - originally armorers - created highly detailed works in iron, often with movable parts. The present example, however, translates this tradition into a smaller, fixed bronze form, emphasizing sculptural elegance over mechanical movement, while still capturing the sinuous nature of the snake.

In Japanese symbolism, the snake represents successful harvests, fertility, and regeneration. The snake’s role in controlling pests such as mice is well-known, and its molting process suggests themes of renewal and immortality. Snakes are often depicted at shrines and entrances during the New Year, where sacred ropes (shimenawa) symbolize purity and sanctity. These ropes’ entwined form is derived from the mating serpents, and Ugajin, a guardian deity of fertility, is frequently depicted with a snake body and human head, symbolizing good fortune.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related larger iron jizai okimono of a snake, by Takase Kozan, dated c. 1900, 90.1 cm long, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 17 September 2025, New York, lot 589 (sold for USD 57,600 or approx. EUR 50,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).

本场其它拍品

  • 竞价阶梯
  • 快递物流
  • 拍卖规则
  • 支付方式
竞价区间 加价幅度
0
10
50
50
600
100
1,600
200
4,000
500
8,000
1,000
16,000
2,000
40,000
5,000
80,000
10,000
160,000
20,000
+

委托价 (已有0次出价)

欧元

价格信息

拍品估价:5,000 - 10,000 欧元 起拍价格:5,000 欧元  买家佣金:

拍卖公司

Galerie Zacke
地址: Sterngasse 13, 1010 Vienna, Austria
电话: 0043-1-5320452
邮编: 1070
向卖家提问