A remarkable and fine quality complete set of twelve articulated silver insects
By Takase Torakichi (Kozan, 1869-1934) of Kanazawa, Meiji/Taisho Period
Comprising:
1) A tonbo (dragonfly), signed Kozan, 7.5cm (2 7/8in) long.
2) A kabutomushi (rhinoceros beetle), signed Kozan, 4.7cm (1¾in) long.
3) A semi (cicada), signed Kozan, 5.5cm (2 1/8in) long.
4) A kamakiri (praying mantis), signed Kozan, 9.7cm (3¾in) long.
5) A kuwagatamushi (stag beetle), signed Kozan, 7.7cm (3in) long.
6) A hachi (hornet), signed Kozan, 5.8cm (2¼in) long.
7) A shoryo batta (oriental long headed locust), signed Kozan, 8.5cm (3 3/8in) long.
8) A kirigirisu (bush cricket), signed Kozan, 6.5cm (2½in) long.
9) A kamikirimushi (longhorn beetle), signed Kozan, 7.1cm (2¾in) long.
10) A batta (grasshopper), signed Kozan, 7.5cm (2 7/8in) long.
11) An ageha-cho (swallowtail butterfly), signed Kozan, 6.5cm (2½in) long.
12) A tonbo (dragonfly), signed Kozan, 5cm (2in) long.
Each insect realistically rendered, the leg joints, head, wings, tail and antennae intricately constructed of smoothly moving parts, with the original hyohonbako (Insect Display Case), the top of the lid titled Konchu (Insects) and signed Kozan with two seals. (13).