A Fine Quality and Detailed Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Crab, C.1890

Name: A Fine Quality and Detailed Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Crab, C.1890
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1160870
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Description

A fine quality and detailed Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze crab. The highly accurate depiction of the stance, claws, legs and body continue to the underside where the detail continues. It is also signed to the underside (see image). Stands evenly on four feet (no rocking).

Dimensions: 3.5 inches wide x 2.75 inches long x 1.5 inches tall. (9 x 7 x 4 cm)

Weight: 182 g

Dated: Approx 1890-1895.

Background: At the start of the Meiji era (1868-1912), Japanese metalwork was almost totally unknown outside the country, unlike lacquer and porcelain which had previously been exported. Metalwork was connected to Buddhist practice, for example in the use of bronze for temple bells and incense cauldrons. There were fewer opportunities for metalworkers once Buddhism was displaced as the state religion. International exhibitions brought Japanese cast bronze to a new foreign audience, attracting strong praise globally.

Physical Dimensions

Height

4cm (1.57")

Width

9cm (3.54")

Depth

7cm (2.76")

Declaration

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1160870

Dealers Internal Reference

1763/A

Dealers Notes

Shop Open: 10.00am - 6.00pm Monday-Saturday (Closed Sundays)

Description

A fine quality and detailed Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze crab.

“

The highly accurate depiction of the stance, claws, legs and body continue to the underside where the detail continues.

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

It is also signed to the underside (see image). Stands evenly on four feet (no rocking).

fig 1. A fine quality and detailed Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze crab, c.1890 — fig 1. A Fine Quality and Detailed Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Crab, C.1890

Dimensions: 3.5 inches wide x 2.75 inches long x 1.5 inches tall. (9 x 7 x 4 cm)

Weight: 182 g

Dated: Approx 1890-1895.

Background: At the start of the Meiji era (1868-1912), Japanese metalwork was almost totally unknown outside the country, unlike lacquer and porcelain which had previously been exported. Metalwork was connected to Buddhist practice, for example in the use of bronze for temple bells and incense cauldrons. There were fewer opportunities for metalworkers once Buddhism was displaced as the state religion. International exhibitions brought Japanese cast bronze to a new foreign audience, attracting strong praise globally.