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Early
Meiji Bronze Okimono
Daikoku
God of Luck /
Shichifukujin
Artist
Signature: Sen, Circa: 19th Century
H 8.5 in.(21.5cm.), W 6 in.(15cm.), D 6 in.(15cm.)
Condition: gilt loss, o.a. excellent This
excellent Japanese bronze is beautifully sculpted and cast in rounded volumes
of ebullient fullness; the god Daikoku, bringer of worldly prosperity, portrayed
as an affable rustic in a soft red hat, hammer in hand and sack on his shoulder,
climbing over bales of rice. This is a fine example of Japanese style, in which
a balance is struck between simple major forms and smaller areas of carefully
designed detail. Thus the simple shapes of Daikoku’s body and garments are complemented
by the carving of the face with its open-mouthed smile and pointed beard, as well
as two minor notes of furling fabric. Surface texture is provided by realistic
finishing of the rice bales which are tied with looped ropes. Traces of gilt remain
in the folds of the sack, though due to age it cannot be determined how extensive
the gilding may have been. |
