🏮 Part of our “Japanese Art, Ceramics & Décor” collection – a curated selection of antiques reflecting the beauty and craftsmanship of old Japan. Explore more unique finds in our store.

Exceptional trio of Japanese Meiji period mixed-metal insect okimono, dating to around the 1890s. Each figure is hand-crafted with fine chased detailing and lifelike naturalistic form — a testament to the skill of Meiji-era metalworkers.

The dragonfly features delicately articulated (movable) wings, joined at a single pivot point — a rare and charming feature of Meiji metalwork. The other two insects have fixed forms, each displaying meticulous surface texture and hand-tooled precision.

Following the decline of the samurai class, sword-fitting artisans (tosogu makers) repurposed their mastery of alloys such as shakudō and shibuichi to create miniature sculptures for collectors and export markets.

This set includes:

• 🪳 Long-antennae insect – 8 cm, 5.7 g (one red glass eye missing)

• 🪰 Dragonfly – 6 cm, 7.8 g (movable wings on single pivot)

• 🦗 Grasshopper – 6 cm, 8.9 g (one antenna slightly shortened)

A cohesive and well-preserved group showcasing Meiji Japan’s fascination with nature and refined metalwork technique. 

Ideal for collectors, resellers, or enthusiasts of Japanese decorative arts.

📏 Combined weight: 22.4 g
🔹 Period: Meiji (1868–1912)
🔹 Material: Mixed metals (shakudō, shibuichi, silver tone)
🔹 Origin: Japan
🔹 Theme: Insects / Naturalistic okimono

🚚 Free UK shipping via Royal Mail Tracked 48 – international buyers welcome via eBay’s Global Shipping Programme.