Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
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Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Click to Enlarge
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
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Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base

  • These exceptional Japanese bronze peacock sculptures were created during the Meiji Period
  • These sculptures exhibit an impeccable level of detailing on every surface
  • Each sculpture is signed by the maker
  • The birds are perched on a pristine driftwood base
  • Get complete item description here
$98,500
Item No. 31-8424

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Description
This rare and outstanding pair of Japanese okimono exemplifies the best of Meiji-period art. Formed of perfectly blended bronzes of varying patinas and fine gold work, these lifelike fowl—a peacock and a peahen—exhibit magnificent detail on every surface, from the tops of their plumed heads to individual feathers in their tails. Perched upon a driftwood pedestal of incredible natural beauty, these birds are a clear testament to their maker’s incredible skill and talent.

The. . .
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This rare and outstanding pair of Japanese okimono exemplifies the best of Meiji-period art. Formed of perfectly blended bronzes of varying patinas and fine gold work, these lifelike fowl—a peacock and a peahen—exhibit magnificent detail on every surface, from the tops of their plumed heads to individual feathers in their tails. Perched upon a driftwood pedestal of incredible natural beauty, these birds are a clear testament to their maker’s incredible skill and talent.

The stamp is highly likely the signature of the sword guard maker, Ishiguro Masatsune. The Ishiguro family was renowned for their exceptional sword guard craftsmanship. The artist who did this was probably Matasune III, as Matasune I died in 1828, before the start of the Meiji period.

The term okimono refers to ornamental objects crafted for display, akin to the French objet d’art. Originating in the early Meiji period, okimono embody the pinnacle of craftsmanship. With the cessation of Japan's isolationist policies, artisans, liberated from previous obligations, pursued creative endeavors with renewed vigor. Esteemed for their intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship, okimono such as this one, depict a range of motifs from mythological narratives to auspicious animals, celebrating the zenith of artistic achievement during the Meiji period.

Each sculpture is signed in Japanese by Masatsune

Circa 1890

Peacock: 41 1/2” length (105.41 cm)
Peahen: 17 1/4” length (43.82 cm)
Sculpture and stand: 58 1/2“ tall x 23” wide x 37“ deep (148.59 x 58.42 x 93.98 cm) 
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Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Birds on Driftwood Base
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Asia
Type: Figurines/Statuettes
Depth: 37.0 in. (93.98 cm)
Width: 23.0 in. (58.42 cm)
Height: 58.5 in. (148.59 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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