Japan, late 19th–early 20th century
Carved wood, iron and rope, 41 × 15 × 12 cm (overall height, as shown 133 cm)
Excellent condition.
A striking Japanese jizai-kagi - traditionally used to raise and lower cooking vessels suspended above an irori, the sunken hearth at the centre of the Japanese home. Here, this functional crosspiece is transformed into a large and exceptionally sculptural fish.
Carved from a substantial piece of dark timber, the fish combines a powerful sweeping profile with finely worked scales, fins and facial details, balancing close observation with a strong, simplified form. Its deep, darkened surface contrasts with coarse fibre rope and original hand-forged iron fittings, giving the piece considerable material richness.
Fish were traditionally associated with water and protection from fire, making the form particularly appropriate for an object suspended above the hearth.
Both utilitarian and expressive, the jizai-kagi reflects a characteristic Japanese ability to invest an everyday object with craftsmanship, symbolism and quiet sculptural presence.
Japan, late 19th–early 20th century
Carved wood, iron and rope, 41 × 15 × 12 cm (overall height, as shown 133 cm)
Excellent condition.
A striking Japanese jizai-kagi - traditionally used to raise and lower cooking vessels suspended above an irori, the sunken hearth at the centre of the Japanese home. Here, this functional crosspiece is transformed into a large and exceptionally sculptural fish.
Carved from a substantial piece of dark timber, the fish combines a powerful sweeping profile with finely worked scales, fins and facial details, balancing close observation with a strong, simplified form. Its deep, darkened surface contrasts with coarse fibre rope and original hand-forged iron fittings, giving the piece considerable material richness.
Fish were traditionally associated with water and protection from fire, making the form particularly appropriate for an object suspended above the hearth.
Both utilitarian and expressive, the jizai-kagi reflects a characteristic Japanese ability to invest an everyday object with craftsmanship, symbolism and quiet sculptural presence.
