Antique Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture Okimono of Samurai Warrior

PATINATED AND PARCEL-SILVERED AND GILDED BRONZE OKIMONO OF A SAMURAI WARRIOR
Japan, Meiji period, probably late 19th century
Unmarked

9 1/2" H x 6 3/4" diameter

ref. 512DMB06P

A Japanese bronze okimono depicting a warrior seated upon a naturalistic rocky outcropping, the figure poised in the forward stance of a man ready to take action while grasping the hilt of his sword. Flowing traditional garments wrap around the body in layered folds, the surfaces finely engraved with inlays of silver cloud formations both in bright polish and dark oxidization together with overlays of silver and gold motifs of five-leaf foliage.

The rocky base is worked with textured surfaces and accented with scattered gilt leaves. The sculpture rests upon a circular bronze plinth ornamented with a continuous geometric band.

Inordinately crisp. Exquisitely worked hair and texturing. Altogether very fine.

Condition: Two casting flaw holes to the rocky areas of the naturalistic base. Discoloration and tarnish to the silvered highlights with rubbing to the gilding. The cap is missing an element that would have projected from the very tip.