Okimono in the form of a large articulated carp. Of hammered, chiseled and assembled iron. Signed on the reverse below the head with a chiseled signature and kakihan by the artist, Kozan (Takase Kozan, 1868–1934). Late Meiji – Taisho era, circa 1890 – 1920.

The tail and each of the fins articulate like fans. The fins hinge to the body of the fish, as do the whiskers. Even the mouth and eyes move and are spring loaded.

The Kozan workshop in Kyoto produced many articulated metal creatures, most commonly lobsters and insects. These models were made of different materials and in a range of quality. This okimono surpasses almost all of them in size and complexity. The superb workmanship and scale suggest that Kozan created this carp for exhibition.

For a Kozan study of a shachi or dragon-carp on a similar scale by Tomiki Muneyoshi (Kozan II), c.f. Japanese Sword-fittings & Metalwork in the Lundgren Collection, page 54, number 345.