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ID #SA1239111
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£995
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Japanese Meiji Bronze Elephant Fighting Tigers by Tsunemitsu 常光
For sale by Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
for sale €1,164     $1,264
£995
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024
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Id #SA1239111
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Japanese Meiji Bronze Elephant Fighting Tigers by Tsunemitsu 常光

19th century
Description

A Japanese bronze model of an elephant fighting two tigers, cast during the Meiji period (1868–1912), bearing the foundry mark Tsunemitsu (常光).

Tsunemitsu 常光 (Tsunemitsu) is the maker’s / foundry mark for Tsukahara Tsunemitsu 塚原常光, father and son master casters from Takaoka, active across two generations during the Meiji, Taishō and Shōwa eras.

Takaoka was one of Japan’s principal bronze casting centres, and works bearing the Tsunemitsu mark are recognised for their quality and were produced for both domestic use and export markets.

The dynamic subject reflects the period’s increasing interest in naturalistic animal studies. Following the opening of Tokyo Zoo in 1882, Japanese artists were able to observe exotic animals directly, contributing to improved anatomical accuracy in sculptural depictions of elephants, tigers, and other non-native species.

Note: The tusks on this piece are synthetic replacements.

Dimensions

Bronze

•Height: 15.7 cm / 6.18 in

•Width: 16 cm / 6.3 in

•Depth: 10 cm / 3.94 in

Base

•Height: 2 cm / 0.79 in

•Width: 25 cm / 9.84 in

•Depth: 18.2 cm / 7.17 in

Physical Dimensions
Height
15.7cm (6.18")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Declaration

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Japanese Bronze Elephant Sculpture to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1239111
Dealers Notes

Delivery:

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

International delivery available — please contact us or request a quote.

Description
A Japanese bronze model of an elephant fighting two tigers, cast during the Meiji period (1868–1912), bearing the foundry mark Tsunemitsu (常光).

Tsunemitsu 常光 (Tsunemitsu) is the maker’s / foundry mark for Tsukahara Tsunemitsu 塚原常光, father and son master casters from Takaoka, active across two generations during the Meiji, Taishō and Shōwa eras.

“
Takaoka was one of Japan’s principal bronze casting centres, and works bearing the Tsunemitsu mark are recognised for their quality and were produced for both domestic use and export markets.
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
fig 1. A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base.
fig 1. Japanese Meiji Bronze Elephant Fighting Tigers by Tsunemitsu 常光

The dynamic subject reflects the period’s increasing interest in naturalistic animal studies. Following the opening of Tokyo Zoo in 1882, Japanese artists were able to observe exotic animals directly, contributing to improved anatomical accuracy in sculptural depictions of elephants, tigers, and other non-native species.

fig 2. A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base.
fig 2. Japanese Meiji Bronze Elephant Fighting Tigers by Tsunemitsu 常光

Note: The tusks on this piece are synthetic replacements.

Dimensions

Bronze

•Height: 15.7 cm / 6.18 in

•Width: 16 cm / 6.3 in

•Depth: 10 cm / 3.94 in

Base

•Height: 2 cm / 0.79 in

•Width: 25 cm / 9.84 in

•Depth: 18.2 cm / 7.17 in

Height
15.7cm (6.18")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Date of Manufacture

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Japanese Bronze Elephant Sculpture to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1239111
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables Profile Page

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A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base.
1 / 6
Archive I A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base.

Japanese Meiji Bronze Elephant Fighting Tigers by Tsunemitsu 常光

Archive II A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base. View II
Archive III A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base. View III
Archive IV A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base. View IV
Archive V A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base. View V
Archive VI A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base. View VI
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Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Telephone 01553 601578
Location
West Norfolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/knightfineantiquescollectable
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 59
Items Sold 195
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: West Norfolk, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/knightfineantiquescollectable
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
59
Sold
195
A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base.
Japanese Meiji Bronze Elephant Fighting Tigers By Tsunemitsu 常光
Ref: SA1239111
A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting an elephant fighting off two tigers, mounted on a natural edge timber base.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialBronze, Wood, Bone
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsRearing elephant, attacking tigers, naturalistic timber base, patinated bronze finish
  • SizeH 15.7 cm (6 in) x W 16 cm (6 in) x D 10 cm (4 in)

This Japanese bronze model of an elephant fighting two tigers dates from the 19th-century Meiji period and bears the foundry mark Tsunemitsu. The dynamic composition shows an elephant rearing up on its hind legs while battling a pair of tigers, one clinging to its back and the other pinned beneath. The dark-patinated bronze sculpture rests upon a freeform, reddish-brown polished timber base with visible natural grain and an irregular edge. Synthetic white tusks project from the elephant's mouth, and the bronzework exhibits detailed texturing across the animal hides. The complete object stands 17.7 cm high, 25 cm wide, and 18.2 cm deep. In a contemporary interior, this sculptural group serves as a striking decorative display piece on a desk, bookshelf, mantelpiece, or console table. Its compact proportions allow it to fit comfortably within various living spaces or studies as a focal point of Asian metalwork art. The naturalistic animal study brings movement and narrative interest to a room, pairing well with traditional or eclectic displays of antique artefacts.

FAQs

An okimono is a Japanese decorative display sculpture produced during the Meiji period (18681912), when master artisans transitioned from manufacturing traditional armour and sword fittings to creating decorative metalwork for international exposition.

Meiji period bronze artists used cast bronze alloys made via lost-wax casting, often applying chemical patination to create deep tonal variations, with accents crafted from bone, horn, or shell for details such as tusks and eyes.

Authentic pieces exhibit precise lost-wax casting techniques, hand-chased surface textures, naturalistic anatomical study, and frequently carry an incised or cast artist signature, known as a mei, on the underside or body.

A bronze animal sculpture serves as a focal accent on a wooden sideboard, console table, or bookshelf, pairing effectively with natural timber, stone surfaces, and structured contemporary furniture.

Dust the surface regularly using a soft microfibre cloth or camel hair brush, avoid water and chemical cleaners that alter patination, and apply a thin layer of neutral microcrystalline wax to preserve the metal.
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