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ID #SA1199446
FOR SALE
£275
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19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese Bronze Rhinoceros Beetle
For sale by Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
for sale €322     $349
£275
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2012
Browse dealers 153 items
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Id #SA1199446
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19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese Bronze Rhinoceros Beetle

19th century
Description

A late 19th century (Meiji period) Japanese bronze Rhinoceros Beetle, standing evenly (no rocking) on its feet.

Signed to the underside.

Length: 6.8 cm

Dated: c.1890-1900.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6.8cm (2.68")
Declaration

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this Meiji Bronze Rhinoceros Beetle to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1199446
Dealers Internal Reference
1894/A
Dealers Notes

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

Description
A late 19th century (Meiji period) Japanese bronze Rhinoceros Beetle, standing evenly (no rocking) on its feet.

Signed to the underside.

Length: 6.8 cm

Dated: c.1890-1900.

Height
6.8cm (2.68")
Date of Manufacture

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this Meiji Bronze Rhinoceros Beetle to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1199446
Dealers Internal Ref
1894/A
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2012

Fine antiques at sensible prices

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Quiet Street Antiques of Bath Profile Page

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A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina.
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Archive I A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina.

19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese Bronze Rhinoceros Beetle

Archive II A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View II
Archive III A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View III
Archive IV A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View IV
Archive V A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View V
Archive VI A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View VI
Archive VII A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View VII
Archive VIII A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View VIII
Archive IX A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View IX
Archive X A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Telephone 01225 315 727 or 07980 951198
Location
Quiet Street Antiques
3 Quiet Street
Bath
BA1 2JS
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/quietstreetbath
Verified Since Apr 2012
Items For Sale 153
Items Sold 2,514
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Verified Since Apr 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Quiet Street Antiques, 3 Quiet Street, Bath, BA1 2JS , United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/quietstreetbath
Verified
Apr 2012
For Sale
153
Sold
2,514
A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina.
19th century (Meiji period) Japanese bronze Rhinoceros Beetle
Ref: SA1199446
A Japanese Meiji period cast bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle with textured legs and a dark brown patina.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Sculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsRhinoceros horn, Textured legs, Patinated shell, Anatomical detail
  • SizeH 6.8 cm (3 in)

This Japanese decorative sculpture takes the form of a rhinoceros beetle, originating from the Meiji period around 1890. Cast in bronze, the piece displays a dark brown patinated shell with anatomical detail, textured legs, and a prominent rhinoceros horn at the front. The sculpture stands evenly on its feet with visible wear on the bronze surface and naturalistic detailing across the entire body. Measuring 6.8 cm in length, this solid metal object carries a signature on the underside. Placed within a modern interior, the item sits comfortably on an office desk or within a gentleman's library display. The sculpture functions well as a tactile desk accessory or cabinet piece, adding period craftsmanship to a workspace or study. The compact proportions allow placement on bookshelves, mantelpieces, or small side tables alongside other historic artefacts and curiosities.

FAQs

During the Meiji period (18681912), Japanese craftsmen shifted from producing sword fittings to decorative display sculptures termed okimono. These works frequently depicted natural subjects, including realistic studies of insects, birds, and aquatic life.

Artisans utilized lost-wax casting techniques to render minute anatomical features, followed by hand-chasing and engraving to refine the surface textures. The final rich tone was achieved through traditional patination processes involving heat and chemical treatments.

Authentic pieces demonstrate precise casting details, balanced proportions, and careful hand-finishing around joints and undersides. Genuine age shows through gradual wear in raised areas and a deep, natural patina rather than a flat, modern spray finish.

A bronze insect sculpture functions as a curiosity on an office desk, styled alongside leather-bound volumes, or placed under a glass bell jar on a bookshelf.

Remove dust using a dry, soft-bristled brush or clean microfibre cloth. Avoid abrasive liquid cleaners, chemical polishes, or water, as these can strip the original patina and trigger unwanted oxidisation.
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