Articulated "Jizai" Figurine of a Dragon (tatsu)
Artistattributed to
Myōchin Munekazu
(Japanese)
Date1850–1900
Mediumrusseted iron
Dimensions10 × 9 × 67 cm (3 15/16 × 3 9/16 × 26 3/8 in.), 1 lb, 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.610
Label TextJizai were articulated figurines crafted of iron. The earliest known examples date to the 1700s, and were made by the Myōchin family of armorers. This dragon is exquisitely articulated: not only does his body move like a snake, but even his claws, jaws and tongue are designed to move.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on October 30, 1941 from Yamanaka & Co. Inc. (NYC).
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.On View
Not on viewCollections
Myōchin Yoshimichi
1600s–1700s
