As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this delightful Meiji Period 1868-1912 , circa 1910 pure silver and shakudo bird group , the pair of Japanese wagtails are formed from pure silver and solid shakudo and stand upon gilded legs with further gilt eye detailing, they rest upon a rocky outcrop in the middle of a waterside setting which they are known to favour as a safe nesting site, the birds peg snugly into the original copper and silvered base, each of the birds is signed to the underside with a most unusual script signature that translates to read Mitsuyoshi , a most charming study of Japanese wildlife that could be displayed and enjoyed from multiple angles.
Literature : Due to the obvious charm and commercial popularity of such subject matter many similar groups were manufactured throughout the Taisho period 1912-1926, those later groups although equally decorative would usually be formed from alloys with silver plate & shakudo patination for effect, thus reducing the manufacturing costs dramatically, for the avoidance of doubt this group of birds are formed from pure silver and shakudo alloys.
Provenance :
UK collection .
Condition report :
Fine condition with age related wear to the copper base.
Approximate sizes :
Length : 10″ 25 cm
Height : 5.5″ 14 cm
Depth : 6″ 15 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.