Japanese Pure Silver Manchurian Crane Okimono by "Hasegawa Issei"

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this outstanding quality solid cast silver and mixed metal Meiji Period 1868-1912 okimono by the leading artist Hasegawa Issei, (his art name Gyokutosai), a pair of Manchurian Cranes stand upon a simulated driftwood rocky outcrop in a powerful yet appealing pose, the male bird watches over the female that stoops before him, the solid silver chiseled feather work is as good as you will see on this type of okimono, the long slender legs simply peg into the base and are formed from shibuichi, a bronze alloy that is mixed with a percentage of silver, the tail feathers are carved from shakudo an alloy containing a percentage of gold and perfected by Japanese swordsmiths in the 16th century, the necks are also decorated in shakudo whilst the birds eyes are unusually formed from enamel as are the red crests upon their heads, artist signed to the underside of each bird.

Provenance :

2020 Vision of an enlightened ruler- plate 21

Literature :

This artist has a long history of displaying his wares at the various Expositions in the period 1890-1920 when he appears to have been most active,

Hasegawa Issei (art name Gyokutosai ) worked in Asakusa Tokyo during the Meiji and Taisho Eras. He exhibited at the Chicago Columbus Exposition (1893), Liège Exposition (1905) - a crystal ball on a metal base, and at the Paris Exposition (1900)  exhibiting a silver vase, incense burner and bird subject okimono.

Kyoto Sannenzaka Museum has several works by the artist,the Khalili collection has two works by the artist reproduced in the Meiji no Takara, metalwork (Part I – plate 66, and Part II - plate 130).

Condition report :

The condition is superb with minor age related wear

Approximate sizes :

Height :      12"        30 cm

Width :       6"          15cm

Depth :        6"         15cm

Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included in the price of this item .

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