Antique Japanese Bronze Okimono
Howling Tiger
Horn and Crystal Inlaids
Signed: Nyozan Tsukuru.
Meiji , circa: 1868-1911
H 6.25" (16cm.), W 14" (36cm.), D 4" (10cm.)
Condition : Excellent!

During the Meiji era, from 1868-1912, Japan opened its treasures to the world. Visitors to the Vienna World Exhibition in 1873 were dazzled, amazed and awed at the sight of ceramics, textiles, and sculpture of such unsurpassed artistry, astonishing intricacy, and a degree of technical perfection never even conceived of in the West. During the Meiji, export thrived and the arts flourished, providing support for continuing training in technologies faithful to the sublime esthetics of Japanese culture.

Private Collection

This howling tiger exemplifies the superb level of production of the Meiji. It is anatomically accurate and rendered with uncompromising realism, the body extended, muscles flexed in readiness to attack, with outstretched limbs showing huge paws, toes splayed and claws emerging, jaws agape, tongue curled back, ears flattened and fangs exposed. The head is exquisitely finished with the piercing gaze of inset pale yellow eyes made of crystal over horn pupils. Details of the fur have been rendered even on the underside. The long tail is held out, flicking excitedly at the tip. The tiger’s stripes are the original polished surface of the bronze, while the spaces between the stripes are matte. To achieve this pattern, the whole piece was first polished., then resist was applied to the polished surface and the matte areas created by applying a corrosive. The careful reduction of surface especially around the head and the wrinkled muzzle accentuates the animal’s ferocity.