As part of our oriental collection we are delighted to offer this magnificent Japanese bronze okimono of a pair of swimming carp , the okimono cast by the highly regarded Tokyo based artist Izumi Seijo II (1865-1937), the carp are patinated in individual colour bronze alloys which give them a wonderful contrast when displayed together as intended , the eyes of each fish have been detailed in Shibuichi and Shakudo with gold onlaid detail , the movement is so realistic whilst the casting is extraordinary quality , the fish are displayed on their purpose built original black lacquer stand and are housed for safety and storage in their original tomobako , they are both signed to the front dorsal fins.
The artist Izumi Seijo II was a noted bronze caster who lived in Tokyo, he is listed as being a member of The Tokyo sculptures association ,The Japan metalwork association ,he was also a permanent committee member of the Tokyo Chukinkai (The Tokyo cast metalworkers association) he began exhibiting in around 1895 and in the Paris exposition of 1900 one of his four exhibits won a prize , one of his sculptures of a bronze hen and rooster is included in the Imperial collection !
The condition of the two fish is superb and original , the black lacquer stand has some chipping and signs of use , the tomobako is perfect and is also inscribed with details of the okimono and the artist .
A fabulous and important bronze okimono group !!
Approximate sizes
Large carp
Length 21″ 53 cm
Width 8″ 20 cm
Height 8″ 20 cm
Weight 4000 gms
Small carp
Length 14″ 36 cm
Width 5″ 13 cm
Height 5″ 13 cm
Weight 1913 gms
Base 31″ x 20.5″ x 3.5″
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