What is a Japanese Meiji period okimono?

An okimono is a decorative Japanese sculpture designed specifically for display in domestic interiors, such as the tokonoma alcove, gaining widespread popularity during the Meiji period from 1868 to 1912.

What materials and methods were used to create Meiji bronze sculptures?

Artisans utilised lost-wax bronze casting methods, followed by hand-chasing, carving, and patination processes to create detailed anatomical features and surface textures.

How can authentic Meiji period bronze sculptures be identified?

Authentic pieces display detailed hand-carved finishing, naturalistic animal proportions, age-appropriate surface oxidation, and occasional artist signatures or cast foundry marks.

How can a Japanese bronze sculpture be styled in a modern interior?

A bronze okimono functions as a focal point when displayed on a sideboard top, executive desk, or mantelpiece within contemporary or traditional design schemes.

How should patinated bronze okimono be cleaned and preserved?

Remove dust regularly using a dry, soft microfibre cloth or natural bristle brush, avoiding liquid cleansers, and apply microcrystalline wax sparingly to maintain the patination.

for sale €761 $826

£650

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Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

Name: Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1234593
Price: 650 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artsonline

Description

Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

This is a superb and highly decorative antique Japanese Meiji-period bronze sculpture depicting a powerful eagle or hawk perched upon a naturalistically modelled tree stump.

Dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900, the bird is dramatically portrayed with its wings fully outstretched, its head lowered and its formidable talons firmly gripping the tree beneath.

The quality of the workmanship is particularly impressive. The plumage has been painstakingly rendered in patinated silver, with the individual feathers of the wings, breast, head and tail finely chased and engraved to create an exceptionally convincing sense of texture and movement.

The eagle has a wonderfully expressive character, with its piercing eyes, sharply hooked beak and powerful scaled legs and talons all beautifully modelled.

Of particular appeal is the attractive contrasting patination, with the eagle displaying a lighter golden/silvery bronze tone against the considerably darker patinated bronze of the naturalistic tree-stump base. Subtle areas of age-related verdigris further enhance its authentic antique appearance.

The base itself is extensively modelled with naturalistic bark, branches, foliage and rocky formations, providing a suitably dramatic setting for the bird.

The sculpture also bears an inset Japanese character signature/seal plaque to the base, as photographed.

Standing approximately 37.8 cm (14.9 inches) tall, and considerably wider across the fully extended wings, this is a substantial and extremely eye-catching example of Japanese decorative metalwork.

During the Meiji period (1868–1912), Japanese metalworkers achieved an extraordinary international reputation for producing highly detailed bronze animal and bird studies, many of which were specifically created to demonstrate the remarkable skill of Japanese craftsmen to an increasingly enthusiastic Western market.

A magnificent antique Japanese bronze that displays superbly from every angle and would make an impressive centrepiece in either a traditional or contemporary interior.

Condition

Offered in very good antique condition, with age-related surface wear, patination and minor marks commensurate with its considerable age.

Note: The tip of one wing is missing a minor piece measuring approximately 2cm in length.

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and illustrate the remarkable amount of detail throughout.

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 14.9'' | 37.8 cm

Width: 16.6'' | 42.1 cm

Depth: 8.8'' | 22.3 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders welcome

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Date of Manufacture

Artsonline has dated this Japanese Bronze Eagle Sculpture to the 19th Century.

Independent Date Check ID 09642151

Dealer's Item Date19th Century

Sellingantiques Date19th Century

Sellingantiques agingItem 115-150 years old

Test ResultsPassed dating check

Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 19TH CENTURY:

Inset seal mark on the base: Japanese workshop signature from the Meiji era.

Separately cast wings fitted with keyed joints: traditional bronze assembly methods.

Individual feathers and scaly talons finished with hand chasing: skilled bench metalwork.

Green verdigris in deep recesses: natural aging of patinated bronze.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Physical Dimensions

Height

37.8cm (14.88")

Width

42.1cm (16.57")

Depth

22.3cm (8.78")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1234593

Dealers Notes

CONTACT US:

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We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 01749 595 507

Mobile: 07784 085 135

Outside the UK:

Tel: 0044 1749 595 507

Cell: 0044 7784 085 135

PAYMENT:

We accept all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, Square and Bank transfer (BACS).

Description

Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

“

This is a superb and highly decorative antique Japanese Meiji-period bronze sculpture depicting a powerful eagle or hawk perched upon a naturalistically modelled tree stump.

Artsonline

fig 1. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 1. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

Dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900, the bird is dramatically portrayed with its wings fully outstretched, its head lowered and its formidable talons firmly gripping the tree beneath.

The quality of the workmanship is particularly impressive. The plumage has been painstakingly rendered in patinated silver, with the individual feathers of the wings, breast, head and tail finely chased and engraved to create an exceptionally convincing sense of texture and movement.

fig 2. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 2. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

The eagle has a wonderfully expressive character, with its piercing eyes, sharply hooked beak and powerful scaled legs and talons all beautifully modelled.

Of particular appeal is the attractive contrasting patination, with the eagle displaying a lighter golden/silvery bronze tone against the considerably darker patinated bronze of the naturalistic tree-stump base. Subtle areas of age-related verdigris further enhance its authentic antique appearance.

fig 3. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 3. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

The base itself is extensively modelled with naturalistic bark, branches, foliage and rocky formations, providing a suitably dramatic setting for the bird.

The sculpture also bears an inset Japanese character signature/seal plaque to the base, as photographed.

fig 4. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 4. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

Standing approximately 37.8 cm (14.9 inches) tall, and considerably wider across the fully extended wings, this is a substantial and extremely eye-catching example of Japanese decorative metalwork.

During the Meiji period (1868–1912), Japanese metalworkers achieved an extraordinary international reputation for producing highly detailed bronze animal and bird studies, many of which were specifically created to demonstrate the remarkable skill of Japanese craftsmen to an increasingly enthusiastic Western market.

fig 5. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 5. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

A magnificent antique Japanese bronze that displays superbly from every angle and would make an impressive centrepiece in either a traditional or contemporary interior.

Condition

Offered in very good antique condition, with age-related surface wear, patination and minor marks commensurate with its considerable age.

fig 6. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 6. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

Note: The tip of one wing is missing a minor piece measuring approximately 2cm in length.

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and illustrate the remarkable amount of detail throughout.

fig 7. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 7. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 14.9'' | 37.8 cm

Width: 16.6'' | 42.1 cm

Depth: 8.8'' | 22.3 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

fig 8. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 8. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

fig 9. A Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture depicting an eagle perched on a rocky base with outspread wings. — fig 9. Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture – Antique Okimono

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.