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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. Private Collection |
This
howling tiger exemplifies the sublime aesthetics of Japanese culture during the
Meiji era. 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.
Small
Meiji Tiger
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