Okimono in the Form of a Raven 1700 - 1750

Myōchin Munesuke crafted this Okimono in the Form of a Raven out of iron sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century, during Japan's Edo period. Munesuke belonged to the Myōchin family, renowned armorers who, during this time of relative peace, shifted their focus to creating decorative iron sculptures. The raven, often seen as an ominous figure, also carries significance as a divine messenger in Japanese mythology. The choice of iron, a material historically associated with war, to depict such a culturally loaded subject reveals a complex interplay between tradition, craftsmanship, and symbolic representation. Consider the artist's positionality as both a craftsman and a member of a family with a rich history. The shift to decorative arts reflects broader societal changes. The raven, with its nuanced symbolism, invites us to reflect on the layers of meaning embedded within Japanese culture. Munesuke's raven, frozen in iron, embodies cultural memory and societal transformation.