Japanese Silver and Shakudo Bird Okimono

1900 - 1920

Sold by Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

Description

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this delightful Meiji Period 1868-1912 , circa 1910 pure silver and shakudo bird group , the pair of Japanese wagtails are formed from pure silver and solid shakudo and stand upon gilded legs with further gilt eye detailing, they rest upon a rocky outcrop in the middle of a waterside setting which they are known to favour as a safe nesting site, the birds peg snugly into the original copper and silvered base, each of the birds is signed to the underside with a most unusual script signature that translates to read Mitsuyoshi , a most charming study of Japanese wildlife that could be displayed and enjoyed from multiple angles.

Literature : Due to the obvious charm and commercial popularity of such subject matter many similar groups were manufactured throughout the Taisho period 1912-1926, those later groups although equally decorative would usually be formed from alloys with silver plate & shakudo patination for effect, thus reducing the manufacturing costs dramatically, for the avoidance of doubt this group of birds are formed from pure silver and shakudo alloys.

Provenance :

UK collection .

Condition report :

Fine condition with age related wear to the copper base.

Approximate sizes :

Length : 10" 25 cm

Height : 5.5" 14 cm

Depth : 6" 15 cm

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

Physical Dimensions

Height

14cm (5.51")

Width

25cm (9.84")

Depth

15cm (5.91")

Declaration

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA898260

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

fig 1. Japanese Silver and Shakudo Bird Okimono

Literature : Due to the obvious charm and commercial popularity of such subject matter many similar groups were manufactured throughout the Taisho period 1912-1926, those later groups although equally decorative would usually be formed from alloys with silver plate & shakudo patination for effect, thus reducing the manufacturing costs dramatically, for the avoidance of doubt this group of birds are formed from pure silver and shakudo alloys.