MYOCHIN MUNEYOSHI: A RARE SHIBUICHI ARTICULATED JIZAI HAKO (BOX) OKIMONO OF A CRABBy Tanaka Tadayoshi (Myochin Muneyoshi, died 1958), signed MuneyoshiJapan, first half of 20th centuryThe shibuichi crab constructed of many joined segments, the eight legs, eyes and claws movable, the carapace on the top opening to reveal a silver-lined interior. Signed underneath one of the pincers MUNEYOSHI.LENGTH 12 cmWEIGHT 59 gCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: From a French private collection.Tanaka Tadayoshi (died 1958), was a talented metal artist active in the Taisho and Showa periods and known for his articulated sculptures. Tadayoshi apprenticed in the Kyoto workshop of Takase Kozan (1869-1934), who directed the production of ornamental iron pieces for both domestic and international markets.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related jizai okimono of a crab by Tanaka Tadayoshi, signed Myochin Muneyoshi at the age of 77, at Sotheby’s, Art d’ Asie, 16 December 2015, Paris, lot 137 (sold for 8,125 EUR). Also compare a closely related small jizai okimono of a crab by Takase Kozan, measuring 5.1 cm wide, at Christie’s, Innovative Japanese Design: Art of the Meiji period, 18 November 2015, New York, lot 36 (sold for 11,250 USD).