Lot 3810. An iron articulated sculpture of a snake, Edo period (19th century), signed Katsuharu zo (made by Myochin Katsuharu; act. 19th century); 55 1/8 in. (140 cm.) long. Estimate HKD 480,000 - HKD 650,000. Price realised HKD 1,125,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018.

The russet-iron snake constructed of numerous hammered plates jointed inside the body, the head incised with scales and fitted with a hinged jaw opening to reveal a movable tongue, gilt eyes; signature on underside of jaw.

Note: Myochin-school artists in Echizen Province were renowned for their outstanding skill at forging and tempering steel. Myochin Katsuharu (act. 19th century), whose name appears on the snake here, was one of the Echizen Myochin artists. The amazing flexibility and fine patina of this work show the skillful techniques of Katsuharu.

Christie's. The Meiji Aesthetic: Selected Masterpieces from a Private Asian Collection, Hong Kong, 27 November 2018