Of exceptional size and quality, this impressive piece is a large Meiji period patinated bronze tiger model, mounted upon a finely carved wooden stand. The stripes of the tiger are rendered masterfully with use of the beautiful texture of patinated bronze, alternating between matt and gloss surface textures.
The Meiji period was an era of huge change in Japan, with all regards to society, from the economic and political to the social. It was an exciting time too for artistic production as metalworkers, traditionally employed in arms and armoour production, turned their talents to more creative pursuits, as exemplified by the work before us here.
With glass eyes to recreate the ferocious glare of a tiger, the musculature, strength, and vitality of this magnificent beast is faithfully rendered in this excellent bronze. A fine work of sculpture, it will be of great interest to all those interested in Japan, the Meiji period, and animal sculpture and bronzes. It is signed to the underside in Japanese.
Tiger: height 40cm, width 94cm, depth 24cm
Base: height 42cm, width 101cm, depth 31cm