Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Okimono Sculpture of a Samurai, 19th century

JAPANESE BRONZE FIGURAL OKIMONO
Japan, Meiji period, late 19th century

18" H x 7 5/8" D x 11 5/8" W

ref. 512KST06P

A very finely cast bronze okimono depicting a standing samurai accompanied by a kneeling woman offering a cluster of fruit. The warrior is shown with one hand raised to steady his jingasa hat, the other resting near the hilt of his sword. A quiver of arrows is secured across his back while his partial bow is tucked at his side.

The samurai’s robe is richly worked with incised and low relief decoration. Visible across the sleeves and torso are stylized storks in flight emerging amid scrolling cloud forms, these interspersed with hexagonal reserves suggestive of traditional textile patterns. The detailing is crisply articulated, particularly in the feathered bodies of the storks and the subtle texturing of the garment’s surface. The young woman’s robe is similarly ornamented with flowing motifs and floral elements.

The rectangular base is cast with a patterned top surface and raised border of scrolling ornament, supported on four mask-form feet with pronounced facial features and curling brows.

The finishing work is simply superb - expert chiseling that almost emerges as carving, giving a sharp contrast in the intense texture against the perfectly smoothed and chased low surfaces. A complex and finely balanced composition.

Condition: Warrior is missing the upper part of his bow behind the resting arm. Small hole in one of the leg masks. Replaced nuts on two underside posts. Some minor curving to the horizontal plane of the base and possible reinforcement of the legs from the interior. Rubbing and wear to the original patina, overall a fine presentation. Ready to place.