As part of our Japanese art collection we are delighted to offer this outstanding quality solid cast silver and mixed metal Okimono by a leading Meiji period artist, Hasegawa Issei (his art name Gyokutosai) the later oval black lacquered base houses a pair of Manchurian Cranes in a powerful yet appealing pose , the male bird watches over the female bird that stoops before him , in my opinion the solid silver chiselled feather work is as good as you will ever see , it is certainly exhibition quality , and this artist has a long history of displaying his wares at the various Expositions in the period 1890-1920 when he appears to have been most active , the long slender legs simply peg into the base and are formed from Shibuichi , a bronze alloy that is mixed with a percentage of Silver, the tail feathers are carved from Shakudo an alloy containing a percentage of Gold and perfected by Japanese swordsmiths in the 16th century, the necks are also decorated in Shakudo whilst the Birds eyes are unusually formed from enamel as are the red crests upon their heads, artist signed to the underside of each bird.
Artist information: silver item is by Issei 一清; his full name Hasegawa Issei 長谷川一清.
The condition is superb with minor age related wear and a replacement black lacquer base.
Approximate sizes
Height : 10.5″ 26.5 cm
Width : 6″ 15cm
Depth : 4.75″ 12.5cm
Free worldwide delivery included in the price of this item .