Okimono: Heike-gani (Crab)
2005.11.0015
Detailed Images
Basic Information
Artifact Identification | Okimono: Heike-gani (Crab) (2005.11.0015) |
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Classification/ Nomenclature |
|
Artist/Maker | None |
Geographic Location | |
Period/Date | Meiji Period (1868-1912), Late 19th - early 20th century |
Culture | Japanese |
Location | On Exhibitin the East Asia exhibit |
Physical Analysis
Dimension 1 (Width) | 28.5 cm |
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Dimension 2 (Depth) | 15 cm |
Dimension 3 (Height) | 9 cm |
Weight | 253 g |
Measuring Remarks | None |
Materials | Plant--Boxwood, Plant--Wood |
Manufacturing Processes | Carved |
Munsell Color Information | N/A |
Research Remarks
Published Description | N/A |
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Description | "A very fine and large early Meiji period boxwood crab, 11”long x 6 1/2” wide x 3 1/2” high. This okimono is finely carved overall. It is said that the spirit of the Heike (Taira) clan, fallen warriors, live on in the local crabs now known as Heike-gani. Warriors’ faces are seen in the ridges and contours of the shells of the Heiki-gani. The story of these fallen warriors is also known as Dan-no-ura. This subject is often depicted in Japanese Ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock prints). |
Comparanda | Sotheby’s, New York City, sale 7341, 9/13/1999, lot #71, boxwood articulated Japanese crab, 6”, signed ‘Hokyudo Masayoshi’, 19th century. |
Bibliography | N/A |
Artifact History
Archaeological Data | N/A |
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Credit Line/Dedication | Fred A. Freund Collection |
Reproduction | No |
Reproduction Information | N/A |