Brons, IJzer (gegoten/gesmeed) – Bronze Jizai Okimono crab – Meiji periode (1868-1912)

Bronze Jizai Okimono crab (articulated) with amazing details, about 15 cm across including legs. The creature was acquired by my great (great?) grandfather who lived in Indonesia where he was a military doctor. When he traveled back to The Netherlands he made a journey through some Asian countries, amongst others Japan, where he bought this. Alongside the crab he also purchased some miniature insects: a moth, horsefly, grasshopper, ladybug and a small- and big garden spider (not articulated). The smaller creatures are crafted out of some metal, likely cast bodies with soldered legs. The horseflies' wings are made of a thin transparent material, possibly mica, bone or some sort of glass? All are beautifully painted and in good condition. The ladybug is about 0,5 cm across, the moth about 6 cm.I would love to know how he packed the fragile small animals for such an arduous journey!More information on these items, and pictures on request.