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Bronze Meiji period sculpture of Jur?jin, God of Longevity, with deer and staff

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Bronze Meiji period sculpture of Jur?jin, God of Longevity, with deer and staff
Japanese, Late 19th Century
Figure: height 40cm, width 19cm, depth 11cm
Stag: height 19cm, width 20cm depth 10cm

Complete with his characteristic deer and staff, this fine sculptural group in bronze, from Meiji era Japan, depicts the Taoist god of longevity, Jur?jin, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune. Originally a figure from Chinese Taoist religion, Jur?jin is a popular figure in Japanese art and culture, commonly shown as an old man with his deer - a symbol of longevity, as it is viewed as a wise animal that only gets wiser with age - and his knobbly staff, which bears the life span of all life-forms and a list of all their good and wicked deeds.

The group is formed of separate elements: Jur?jin himself, his deer, and his staff. Charming, delicate, and highly expressive, this charming piece is signed on the back for Houzan / 60th birthday celebration / Osaka wheel production company, from all employees, indicating it was once bestowed as an important symbolic gift, with the potential, of course, to be so again.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Bronze.
Creation Date:	Late 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	N-0107
Incollect Reference #:	627143

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.