As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most captivating Meiji Period (1868-1912) bronze study of bears upon a rocky outcrop. The well recorded artist Kaniya Kuniharu has captured in exquisite detail the most enchanting scene of an adult bear attempting to catch a fish as its cub looks on. There seems little doubt that the cub is learning its parents skills to hunt what will become its staple diet, wild salmon. The bears fur and facial features rendered in fine detail, the menacing claws razor sharp. The cubs curious facial expression really does bring this most natural scene to life . Quite simply a captivating Tokyo school okimono that is sure to appeal to a wider audience. Fully artist signed to the rear.
Literature :
”Kaniya Kuniharu was one of the foremost craftsmen in cast bronze of the Meiji Period. He had been taught by two particularly eminent artists, Takamura Koun (1852-1934) and Otake Norikuni (b.1852). Koun, a master of wood sculpture, had been appointed Professor of sculpture at the founding of the Tokyo Art School in 1889. “Kuniharu himself was one of the founding members of the Tokyo Chukin Kai (Tokyo Cast Metal Association) in 1907, together with Oshima Joun (1858-1940).
Kuniharu won several awards at the expositions of the Meiji period including a first prize in 1894, he exhibited at both national and international exhibitions, including the Paris exposition of 1900.
His work is also featured in the Khalili collections, metalwork II- page 99, as well as Splendors of Imperial Japan, Arts of the Meiji period from the Naseer. D. Khalili collections, p370 and p372, nos.263 and 264.
For a slightly larger example of this exact group please see: Bonhams London Fine Japanese Art, Nov 5th 2009 , lot 280 , sold for £33,600 inc bp.
Condition report :
Very fine condition throughout.
Approximate Sizes :
Width : 20 1/2″ 52 cm
Height : 14 1/2″ 37 cm
Depth : 14 1/2″ 37 cm
Free fully insured worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.