| In
the tradition of the sculptural works of the Meiji era, this Showa period large
howling tiger exemplifies the superb style of Japanese realism. It is anatomically
accurate and rendered with uncompromising casting technique, muscles flexed, and
the body extended in readiness to attack, with outstretched limbs showing huge
paws, jaws agape, tongue curled back, ears flattened and fangs exposed. The head
is exquisitely finished with the piercing gaze of inset pale glass (or crystal)
eyes. The long tail is held out, flicking excitedly at the tip. Gilded in copper
red, 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 a corrosive
acid etching process was applied in the matte areas. On closer observation, details
of the fur have been rendered even on the underside. The careful rendering of
surface especially around the head and the wrinkled muzzle accentuates the animal’s
ferocity.
| | | |  | | | | | | |  | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | |
|
