B641.  Jizai Okimono.  2008.  Softbound, 8 1/4 x 11 3/4″, 40 pages in Japanese.  My understanding of the subject is that artists who had been employed in the creation of sword furniture lost business badly when Emperor Meiji decreed that swords no longer could be worn in public.  Some of these artists moved to the creation of articulated models of animals: jizai okimono.  The sculptures shown in this book all are moveable: necks, legs, wings, backs, tails, everything is hinged to adjacent parts.  Beautiful realism and incredible craft.  But, of course, we expect no less from these artists.  If you’ve never seen a jizai okimono, you’re in for a treat.

Condition is new, perfect.  9 ounces.  $60.