Search 0
41,020  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 133 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTS
133 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Antiques dealer?
Join as a Seller
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1239603
FOR SALE
£1,895
Email Phone
Save
Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Study of an Elephant Fighting with Two Tigers Circa 1880
For sale by Robert Belcher Antiques
for sale €2,217     $2,407
£1,895
Robert Belcher Antiques

Robert Belcher Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2017
Browse dealers 406 items
  • About Us
    Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.
↓ Relevant Links
Id #SA1239603
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Study of an Elephant Fighting with Two Tigers Circa 1880

19th century
Description

An exceptionally detailed and dynamic Japanese Meiji period bronze study, depicting a dramatic battle between a magnificent, muscular bull elephant and two attacking tigers. Dating to circa 1880, this powerful and highly expressive group beautifully captures the intense energy of the animalier genre popular during the Meiji era. It comes complete with its original hand-carved hardwood stand.

Sculptural Dynamic & Artistry

• The Narrative: The composition centres on a majestic elephant fighting off a coordinated attack. One tiger fiercely clings to the elephant's back, while the second has been thrown to the earth—cast on its back as the elephant prepares to stamp it down.

• Lifelike Movement: The master sculptor has brilliantly frozen this high-stakes encounter in time, conveying naturalistic tension, muscle exertion, and the raw, untamed essence of the animals.

• Hand-Chased Detailing: The bronze is hand-finished to an extraordinary standard. Much of the intricate texture—including the coarse, wrinkled hide of the elephant and the individual markings of the tigers—has been meticulously worked via hand-chasing with a chisel.

• Patina & Signature: The piece features a rich, dark brown patina that beautifully catches the light, accentuating the contours of the sculpture. It is authentic and signed by the artist with a cast seal mark on the underside of the elephant.

Condition & Display

The bronze and its original, form-fitting hardwood base are in excellent antique condition, showing fine preservation to both the chased details and the patinated finish.

Dimensions

• Bronze Only: Height 16.5 cm × Width 22 cm × Depth 11 cm

• Hardwood Stand: Height 2 cm × Width 26 cm × Depth 15 cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
16.5cm (6.50")
Width
22cm (8.66")
Depth
11cm (4.33")
Declaration

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this Japanese Bronze Elephant Study to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1239603
Dealers Notes

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques

Description
An exceptionally detailed and dynamic Japanese Meiji period bronze study, depicting a dramatic battle between a magnificent, muscular bull elephant and two attacking tigers.
“
Dating to circa 1880, this powerful and highly expressive group beautifully captures the intense energy of the animalier genre popular during the Meiji era.
Robert Belcher Antiques

It comes complete with its original hand-carved hardwood stand.

fig 1. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base.
fig 1. Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Study of an Elephant Fighting with Two Tigers Circa 1880

Sculptural Dynamic & Artistry

• The Narrative: The composition centres on a majestic elephant fighting off a coordinated attack. One tiger fiercely clings to the elephant's back, while the second has been thrown to the earth—cast on its back as the elephant prepares to stamp it down.

fig 2. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base.
fig 2. Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Study of an Elephant Fighting with Two Tigers Circa 1880

• Lifelike Movement: The master sculptor has brilliantly frozen this high-stakes encounter in time, conveying naturalistic tension, muscle exertion, and the raw, untamed essence of the animals.

• Hand-Chased Detailing: The bronze is hand-finished to an extraordinary standard. Much of the intricate texture—including the coarse, wrinkled hide of the elephant and the individual markings of the tigers—has been meticulously worked via hand-chasing with a chisel.

fig 3. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base.
fig 3. Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Study of an Elephant Fighting with Two Tigers Circa 1880

• Patina & Signature: The piece features a rich, dark brown patina that beautifully catches the light, accentuating the contours of the sculpture. It is authentic and signed by the artist with a cast seal mark on the underside of the elephant.

fig 4. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base.
fig 4. Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Study of an Elephant Fighting with Two Tigers Circa 1880

Condition & Display

The bronze and its original, form-fitting hardwood base are in excellent antique condition, showing fine preservation to both the chased details and the patinated finish.

Dimensions

• Bronze Only: Height 16.5 cm × Width 22 cm × Depth 11 cm

• Hardwood Stand: Height 2 cm × Width 26 cm × Depth 15 cm

Height
16.5cm (6.50")
Width
22cm (8.66")
Depth
11cm (4.33")
Date of Manufacture

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this Japanese Bronze Elephant Study to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1239603
Robert Belcher Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2017

Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Robert Belcher Antiques Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base.
1 / 15
Archive I A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base.

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Study of an Elephant Fighting with Two Tigers Circa 1880

Archive II A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View II
Archive III A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View III
Archive IV A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View IV
Archive V A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View V
Archive VI A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View VI
Archive VII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View VII
Archive VIII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View VIII
Archive IX A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View IX
Archive X A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View X
Archive XI A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View XI
Archive XII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View XII
Archive XIII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View XIII
Archive XIV A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View XIV
Archive XV A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Robert Belcher Antiques

Robert Belcher Antiques
Telephone 07929 011224 or 01905 622468
Location
Worcestershire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/rbelcher
Verified Since Jul 2017
Items For Sale 406
Items Sold 677
Robert Belcher Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
Verified Since Jul 2017
View Dealer Info
Location: Worcestershire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/rbelcher
Verified
Jul 2017
For Sale
406
Sold
677
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base.
Japanese Meiji period bronze study of an elephant fighting with two tigers circa 1880
Ref: SA1239603
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of an elephant defending itself against two tigers, mounted on a carved wooden base.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Detail View 12
Detail View 13
Detail View 14
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleJapanese Meiji Period
  • MaterialBronze, Hardwood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsLost-wax cast bronze, Carved hardwood base, Textured elephant hide, Dynamic animal interaction
  • SizeH 16.5 cm (6 in) x W 22 cm (9 in) x D 11 cm (4 in)

This Japanese Meiji period sculpture from circa 1880 depicts a dynamic battle between an elephant and two tigers in the animalier genre. Cast in bronze with a dark brown patina, the group shows a bull elephant with long tusks defending itself against one tiger clinging to its back and another thrown beneath its foot, mounted on an original hand-carved hardwood base with a freeform edge. Hand-chased detailing renders the wrinkled hide of the elephant and the muscular bodies of the big cats, complete with a signed cast seal mark on the underside. The sculpture measures 16.5 cm high, 22 cm wide and 11 cm deep, excluding the separate wooden stand. Placed on a sideboard top or within a gentleman's library, the dark patinated bronze contrasts with polished timber surfaces. The compact scale suits display on a desk, console table or display cabinet shelf, where the detailed lost-wax casting and hand-finished texture can be appreciated from multiple angles. The piece requires only a dry cloth for periodic dusting to maintain the dark bronze surface.

FAQs

Meiji period metalwork (18681912) is characterised by exceptional craftsmanship resulting from former sword makers transitioning to decorative arts. Metalworkers developed advanced casting, alloy patination, and intricate chiselling techniques to produce highly detailed okimono and decorative sculptures.

These sculptures were typically created using the lost-wax (cire perdue) casting method. Artisans carved intricate details into wax models before forming moulds, casting in molten bronze, and finishing the piece with hand-chiselled surface textures and chemical patination.

Authentic pieces exhibit precise anatomical accuracy, fluid movement, and detailed surface hand-carving representing hide, fur, or scales. They often feature dark, rich patinas, cast maker marks or signatures beneath, and heavy lost-wax construction.

Bronze animal studies serve as compelling focal points when displayed on console tables, credenzas, or within curated bookshelf displays. Combining dark bronze metalwork with neutral stone surfaces or rich timber cabinetry highlights the sculptural form.

Maintain patinated bronze by dusting regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Avoid chemical cleaning agents and water, applying a light coat of conservation microcrystalline wax annually to protect the surface finish from moisture and oxidisation.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories