Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture - Antique Okimono

Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono This is a superb and highly decorative antique Japanese Meiji-period bronze sculpture depicting a powerful eagle or hawk perched upon a naturalistically modelled tree stump. Dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900, the bird is dramatically portrayed with its wings fully outstretched, its head lowered and its formidable talons firmly gripping the tree beneath. The quality of the workmanship is particularly impressive. The plumage has been painstakingly rendered in patinated silver, with the individual feathers of the wings, breast, head and tail finely chased and engraved to create an exceptionally convincing sense of texture and movement. The eagle has a wonderfully expressive character, with its piercing eyes, sharply hooked beak and powerful scaled legs and talons all beautifully modelled. Of particular appeal is the attractive contrasting patination, with the eagle displaying a lighter golden/silvery bronze tone against the considerably darker patinated bronze of the naturalistic tree-stump base. Subtle areas of age-related verdigris further enhance its authentic antique appearance. The base itself is extensively modelled with naturalistic bark, branches, foliage and rocky formations, providing a suitably dramatic setting for the bird. The sculpture also bears an inset Japanese character signature/seal plaque to the base, as photographed. Standing approximately 37.8 cm (14.9 inches) tall, and considerably wider across the fully extended wings, this is a substantial and extremely eye-catching example of Japanese decorative metalwork. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), Japanese metalworkers achieved an extraordinary international reputation for producing highly detailed bronze animal and bird studies, many of which were specifically created to demonstrate the remarkable skill of Japanese craftsmen to an increasingly enthusiastic Western market. A magnificent antique Japanese bronze that displays superbly from every angle and would make an impressive centrepiece in either a traditional or contemporary interior. ^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^ *A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece* Delivery Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services. Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell. We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition. For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days. Returns Policy Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy (excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging). Pay securely - Telephone orders welcome Image result for payments accepted logos Secure-Payment-Vpadeb-sa-la-go-th-et-an-gt-0019086-BACS-Order-PayPal-M/Card