Japanese “Karakuri”
This is one of the most skilled antique automata I’ve seen. Most have limbs that move, but this one actually carries out the task of drawing a bow and shooting an arrow! This particular masterpiece was made 200 years ago. Watch:
From Wiki:
Karakuri puppets are traditional Japanese mechanized puppets or automata, originally made from the 17th century to 19th century. The word karakuri means “mechanisms” or “trick.” The dolls’ gestures provided a form of entertainment. Three main types of karakuri exist. Butai karakuri were used in theatre. Zashiki karakuri were small and used in homes. Dashi karakui were used in religious festivals, where the puppets were used to perform reenactments of traditional myths and legends.
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July 15, 2014 at 12:51 am
Thank you for sharing. This is wonderful!
July 15, 2014 at 2:52 am
Wow–that is amazing! Such incredible craftsmanship and ingenuity goes into this art.
July 15, 2014 at 8:50 pm
Agreed! The craftsmanship, and also the engineering ability, required to produce something so lifelike is truly phenomenal. -Nx
July 15, 2014 at 11:35 pm
Fascinating and quite spectacular to watch. What a priceless treasure. There’s real people who can’t even shoot an arrow. I wonder how a Swiss clockmaker would do at automata. I was lucky enough as a young teenager to learn how to shoot bow and arrows and some guns. And I’m not a hunter, imagine that.