As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this finely delineated Meiji Period 1868-1912 bronze okimono of a rat, the rodent captured in a startled pose with his foreleg raised as he gazes at whats in front of him, his huge menacing black shakudo eyes and patinated ears contrast perfectly with the tone of the bronze, the skilled artist has captured the anatomy in fine detail, artist signed in an oval cartouche to the underside of his body that translates to read Muroe Tancho. A most appealing fine quality okimono for your Japanese metalwork collection.Literature :  Unlike many parts of the west the rat is highly revered in Asia and often seen as a symbol of great strength and ingenuity, in fact a rat is the first sign in the Japanese zodiac.Condition report :Fine condition throughoutApproximate Sizes :Length : 6 1/4'' 16 cmHeight : 2 1/2''  6.3 cmDepth :  3 3/4''  9.5 cmFree worldwide delivery and a certificate of authe...