As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this outstanding Meiji Period (1868-1912) pure silver and mixed metal koro in the form of a majestic hawk resting upon its perch. The highly revered 19th century artist, Sano Takachika, has skilfully captured the bird in a striking pose standing upon one leg apparently focussed on its distant quarry. Breathtaking attention to each and every detail, from the finely deliniated featherwork to the menacing gilt and shakudo eyes, this hawk certainly grabs the attention of the room . A section of pierced feathers upon its back lift off to reveal a silver lined recepticle for the purpose of burning incense ( koro), the inside of this lid fully signed by Takachika. The hawk rests upon a black lacquer perch decorated with multi colour lacquered feathers, further adorned with sumptuous carved silver mounts. A quite magical yet powerful okimono from the hand of one of the most highly skilled metalworkers of the late 19th century.
Provenance :
Esteemed Australian Collection .
Literature :
Only a few examples of Koro by this artist are recorded in major worldwide collections, two examples can be found in the Khalili collection, Meiji No Takara Treasures of Imperial Japan , metalwork volume II. Plate 120 displays a silver hawk Koro on perch very similar to our example, meanwhile plate 121 shows a similar quality multi metal decorated pigeon Koro, the volume also mentions that a snake and eagle Koro on a tree trunk is recorded in the well known collection of Michael Tomkinson at plate 72 .
The artist Sano Takachika was a master of hammering, metal carving and chiseling and a recorded member of the Tokyo Chokokai ( Tokyo association of carvers and sculpters ). He is known to have exhibited at many of the expositions of the period including the Japan art society spring exhibition of 1894, where he exhibited gold and silver figures of a heron and a crow .
Condition Report :
The silver Hawk and lacquer stand are in very fine condition.
Approximate Sizes :
Height: 24 ¼” 61.5 cm
Width: 13 ½” 34.5 cm
Free fully insured worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item. EP90