Praying Mantis Maedate
 

ERA: Momoyama-Edo late 15th – 19th century

STYLE: Kamakiri haraidate maedate. – Front crest in the shape of praying mantis for a kabuto with a haridate crest mount.

REGION: unknown

SIGNATURE: None

A very nice unusual maedate that we believe may have originated as an articulated okimono (figurine) or childs toy. The brass that it is composed of is commonly seen in Japanese brass produced from the late 15th century to the beginning of the 16th century. Some people call it “mellow yellow” because of the very smooth uniform yellowy color. We have seen other examples of this type of brass/bronze in Ko-umetada tsuba, Momoyama period habaki, and early inlay tsuba. Therefore we believe that this piece possibly originated during the Momoyama period. However, the piece has had some repair using lead based solder to fix some areas that were originally riveted together, and the metal tsunamoto mount which fits into a haraidate was added in antiquity, yet at a later date.  It is composed of iron. When it was added it appears as the complete piece was gilt as it has remnants of gilding (leaf) on it and there is also remnants of the same gilding on parts of the body and wings. As brass was a very expensive commodity during the time that this piece was first produced, it is possibly that this did actually originate as a maedate, or possibly a toy for a wealthy family’s child or okimono. Either way, it is a very rare and unusual piece which displays well. The kabuto pictured with it is for display purposes only and is not for sale with the maedate.

Size: 18cm from head to tail

Early 20th c. (Taisho)
 

SOLD