As part of our Japanese garden collection we present a most unusual garden bronze of a highly curved bridge resting on solid support foundations, constructed using traditional mortice-and tenon joints, with a walkway composed of cross-laid planks. On both sides run curved railings, commonly referred to as kaidan or karamochi. See catalogue in our publications link for further details.
Provenance:
From the collection of Dr C. Duisberg, acquired on his journey to Japan prior to 1930 – In his travel diary (p. 43), Dr. Carl Duisberg recounts how, during his journey through Japan, he discovered and was able to acquire a remarkable bronze group in the garden of Yamanaka in Kyoto. Among its elements was this elaborately crafted bridge. In his entry, he describes his find as follows: “This is an artistic representation of an old Chinese legend. On a steeply arched bridge sits a warrior on horseback, named Ko Sekko.” Regrettably, the bronze depicting the mounted warrior was stolen from the park in 1951. A report dated 22 January 1951 documents the theft and outlines the unsuccessful attempts made by the criminal police to recover the piece.
Condition report:
Partial age damage and surface change due to many years of presentation in the park, but very stable and heavy.
Literature :
Taikobashi, or arched drum bridges, are distinctive features often found in front of the torii gates of Shinto shrines in Japan. With their bold, rounded curves, these bridges are rich in symbolic and aesthetic significance. Traditionally conceived as paths traversed solely by the kami-the deities of Shinto belief-Taikobashi act as both physical and spiritual thresholds. They span the kekkai, the dividing line between the secular world and the sacred shin’iki precincts and thus serve as stage-setting structures that encourage introspection and reverence before entering holy ground. Though their dramatic incline can deter casual passage, during festivals, these bridges become vital ceremonial routes, such as when a mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried across in ritual procession.
Approximate Sizes :
Length: 69 ¼” 176 cm
Height: 25 “ 64cm
Depth: 17 cm 43 cm
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