Lot 416

BRONZE SIGNED EAGLE – JAPAN

Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912), signed Ryuki. A magnificent signed okimono made of cast and chiseled bronze in the finest tradition of Japanese metalworkers. The term okimono refers to an object that served as an impressive decoration, for example in the alcoves of the homes of the wealthy elite. During the Meiji period and the preceding Edo period, magnificent metalwork and metal engraving were created on the Japanese islands, depicting toads, tigers, snakes, turtles, birds, and other animals. The golden eagle, a popular Japanese bird of prey, is depicted very realistically on a rock, with naturalistic feathers, claws, beak, etc. Nogami Ryuki (1865-1932) was a renowned Japanese sculptor who excelled at the 1900 World's Fair in Paris.
An exceptional multi-part bronze object approximately 43 cm high with a wingspan of approximately 45 cm.