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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. | A
PERFECT GIFT
Small
Meiji Tiger Available | | | |
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