No. 93227688
![Bronze - Signed Yoshinobu 義信 - A beautifully patinated bronze okimono depicting a moving turtle - Meiji period (1868-1912)](https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2025/1/21/d/0/1/d01c461a-68d9-4fa3-b773-81d7e9c250cb.jpg)
Bronze - Signed Yoshinobu 義信 - A beautifully patinated bronze okimono depicting a moving turtle - Meiji period (1868-1912)
No. 93227688
![Bronze - Signed Yoshinobu 義信 - A beautifully patinated bronze okimono depicting a moving turtle - Meiji period (1868-1912)](https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2025/1/21/d/0/1/d01c461a-68d9-4fa3-b773-81d7e9c250cb.jpg)
Bronze - Signed Yoshinobu 義信 - A beautifully patinated bronze okimono depicting a moving turtle - Meiji period (1868-1912)
Bronze okimono depicting a moving turtle, an unusual and fascinating subject due to its uniqueness.
This okimono shows carefully executed details such as the carapace, finely sculpted with extraordinary realism, the folds of the skin that give depth and vitality to the sculpture, and the clumsy but unmistakable movement of the animal, reproduced with absolute fidelity to nature.
Signed under the belly within an oval reserve.
---The okimono is in very good condition. The right paw nail is slightly chipped (see photo no. 8). Please refer to the pictures for more details.
The history of bronzes, silvers and enamels is closely linked to that of an iconic figure of Japan: the Samurai. Throughout the Edo period, that is, from 1603 to 1868, the actual elite controlling the territory was precisely that of the Samurai. In fact, they were the ones who governed, under the guidance of the Daimyo, the various provinces of the country.
When the Edo period ended and the Meiji Restoration began, the social structure of Japan underwent a radical change.
On March 28, 1876, the Haitorei Edict was issued. This measure prohibited samurai from carrying swords in public, under penalty of confiscation of the weapon.
This state of affairs threw metalworkers into despair, as they suddenly found themselves without trade.
It was only an initial phase, however, because in a short time the craftsmen themselves reinvented themselves. Over time they had in fact refined extraordinary artistic skills. Therefore, declining their mastery in an alternative production was almost a natural consequence. No longer able to dedicate themselves to the production of accessories for armor and swords, they began a production of artifacts for everyday use. And in many cases, decorative objects.
It was the beginning of a great success. Soon the copious artistic production had concrete results. In fact, it did not go unnoticed by the eyes of foreign diplomats, travelers and military advisors who were in Japan at that time.
But national borders were soon crossed and Japan's participation in world fairs and exhibitions was not long in coming. Hence the real explosion of interest in these sublime works of art. All this translated into an increase in demand from Europe and Anglo-Saxon countries in particular, which still today appreciate Japanese art.
--- We will pack your item with extreme care and entrust it to DHL or UPS who will take care of delivering it within 1-3 days. Insurance is included.
The certificate of authenticity compiled by Luca Mastromauro, an expert in Japanese art, will be delivered to the buyer. ---
035
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