Meiji Bronze Elephant Sculpture 19th Century

Name: A Large Bronze Meiji Period Elephant
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1198895
Price: 1650 GBP
Availability: InStock

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W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

Telephone 07712 651231

Location

Unit 1
Warren Farm Stables
Sundridge
Nr Sevenoaks
Kent
TN14 6EE
United Kingdom

By appointment only.

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/wjantiques

Verified Since Oct 2011

Items For Sale 249

Items Sold 1,439

Email W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

A dark brown cast bronze sculpture depicting an elephant with its trunk raised high and light-coloured tusks extended.

A Large Bronze Meiji Period Elephant

Ref: SA1198895

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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectSculptures
Period19th century
StyleJapanese Meiji
MaterialBronze, Bone
ColourDark Brown
MotifsRaised trunk, Inset tusks, Textured skin patina, Contrasting ear patina
SizeH 38 cm (15 in) x W 46 cm (18 in) x D 20 cm (8 in)

This large nineteenth century Japanese Meiji period okimono takes the form of a bronze elephant with a dark brown patinated textured skin and contrasting reddish-brown ears. The sculpture depicts the animal with a raised trunk pointing upwards, inset bone tusks extending outwards from the mouth, and a curved tail at the rear, resting on four sturdy feet with detailed toenail markings. It measures 38 cm high, 46 cm wide, and 20 cm deep, offering a substantial decorative presence. Positioned on top of a sideboard in a gentleman's library, study or living room, the piece adds a classical sculptural element to the interior scheme. The dark metallic finish and naturalistic proportions complement both traditional and eclectic decorative styles without dominating the surrounding furniture. The surface displays realistic skin folds and muscular definition across the body, maintaining a clean and intact appearance suitable for display in domestic interior spaces.

FAQs

Position the bronze figure as a standalone accent on a sideboard, desk, or bookcase, contrasting its dark, organic form against neutral backdrops or alongside structured contemporary furniture.

Maintain the surface by dusting regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh solvents or liquid polishes, and apply a thin coat of clear microcrystalline wax annually to protect the delicate patina.

Authentic examples demonstrate refined surface texturing, accurate anatomical proportions, naturalistic movement, and frequently feature cast or incised signatures from the artist or foundry on the underside.

Craftsmen primarily used bronze cast via lost-wax methods, often combining hand-applied chemical patinas with inset carved ivory, bone, or contrasting metals for details like tusks.

Meiji period bronze sculptures, produced in Japan between 1868 and 1912, are recognised for their realistic rendering, naturalistic animal subjects, detailed hand-chasing, and complex multi-toned patinas.

W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

A Large Bronze Meiji Period Elephant