A Superb Japanese Silvered Bronze Sea Eagle by Akasofu Gyoko

19th century

Sold by Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

Description

As part of our Japanese art collection we are delighted to offer this magnificent imposing silvered bronze Okimono of a Sea Eagle, the majestic bird of prey is perched upon a stunning (almost fossilised ) carved wood base , intended to imitate the cliff face where these birds would nest and seek their quarry, this high quality silvered bronze bird has been crafted by the highly regarded artist Akasofu Gyoko , during the Meiji period , the bird itself has silvered bronze feather detailing throughout , gilded legs with Shakudo Talons that are needle sharp , a Shakudo beak and menacing Gilt and Shakudo eyes, he stands on the hardwood rock face with the aid of his original locating pins, and is signed to the underside in a gilt seal that reads Akasofu Gyoko , a majestic stunning quality Okimono that would enhance any serious collection !!

The second of two birds being listed by this artist :Akasofu Gyoko (dates unknown) lived in Tokyo, his factory producing cast metalwork for export. His given name was Sotojiro and he is recorded as a member of the Tokyo Chukinkai (Tokyo Cast Metalworkers' Association) in the second half of the Meiji period.

Provenance: We were fortunate enough to be invited to purchase a retired gentleman's entire Japanese collection in 2014, amongst many fine pieces of Metalwork were his pride and joy , this and another similar Sea Eagle on stand by the same artist , we purchased both birds and soon after we sold them to a regular client in Taiwan,this was during the period when the Chinese market was apparently on fire , last month the dealer in question informed us that his market had now significantly cooled off and that he wished to offer to sell us the birds ,it was not a difficult decision to want these items back, he flew to London with both birds in the hold and we were thrilled to have been reacquainted with them , the transaction left both parties satisfied, and further demonstrated our belief that great quality Japanese works of art will always find a place somewhere in the world market .

The condition is quite superb !

Approximate sizes:

Total Height : 30" 77 cm

Length of bird: 13.25" 33.5 cm (tail feathers to beak )

Free worldwide delivery included in the price of this item .

Physical Dimensions

Height

77cm (30.31")

Width

33cm (12.99")

Depth

35cm (13.78")

Declaration

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this piece to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA443666

Dealers Notes

Available during usual business hours 7 days a week by prior appointment only.

Available out of hours for general enquiries : sales@stagsheadantiques.com or steve@steveslyjapaneseart.com

Tel 07774-635918

Description

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The second of two birds being listed by this artist :Akasofu Gyoko (dates unknown) lived in Tokyo, his factory producing cast metalwork for export.

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

His given name was Sotojiro and he is recorded as a member of the Tokyo Chukinkai (Tokyo Cast Metalworkers' Association) in the second half of the Meiji period.

fig 1. A SUPERB JAPANESE SILVERED BRONZE SEA EAGLE BY AKASOFU GYOKO — fig 1. A Superb Japanese Silvered Bronze Sea Eagle by Akasofu Gyoko

Provenance: We were fortunate enough to be invited to purchase a retired gentleman's entire Japanese collection in 2014, amongst many fine pieces of Metalwork were his pride and joy , this and another similar Sea Eagle on stand by the same artist , we purchased both birds and soon after we sold them to a regular client in Taiwan,this was during the period when the Chinese market was apparently on fire , last month the dealer in question informed us that his market had now significantly cooled off and that he wished to offer to sell us the birds ,it was not a difficult decision to want these items back, he flew to London with both birds in the hold and we were thrilled to have been reacquainted with them , the transaction left both parties satisfied, and further demonstrated our belief that great quality Japanese works of art will always find a place somewhere in the world market .