'The Art of Peace' On View at Morikami

Eagle (Morikami Musum)

(Press Release) Delray Beach, FL – The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens invites visitors to explore a rare and mesmerizing form of Japanese craftsmanship with its latest exhibition, The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono, now on view through September 28.
 
This captivating exhibition features 19 exquisite jizai okimono—intricately articulated sculptures crafted in the likeness of animals and mythical beasts. Made of finely worked metals, these pieces showcase the extraordinary skill and creativity of Japanese armorers who, during a time of peace in the Edo period (1603–1868), transitioned from forging samurai armor to creating works of art.

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The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the articulated sculptures of insects, birds, reptiles, fish, and mythical creatures like dragons, whose bodies flex and coil in breathtaking realism. These lifelike creations reflect not only the technical mastery of their makers, but also a deep appreciation for nature and movement.
 
With the dawn of the Meiji period (1868–1912) and the transformation from a feudal military government to a constitutional monarchy, metalsmiths rechanneled their expertise into artistic pursuits. The term jizai means "movable" or "articulated," while okimono refers to ornamental objects. The result is a fascinating collection of jointed sculptures that are both technically impressive and visually enchanting.
 
The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono is drawn from a distinguished private collection and is made possible in part by generous support from The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation and the Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.