Japanese Meiji Period Pair of Bronze Sculptures Okimono of Rooster & Hen

EXCEEDINGLY FINE PAIR OF JAPANESE BRONZE FIGURES OF A HEN AND ROOSTER
Japan, Meiji period
Each with plaque signed to the underside 秀国作 (Shūkoku saku)
Patinated bronze with gilt eyes

Hen: 9 1/2" H x 4 5/8" D x 11 1/2" W
Rooster: 13 7/8" H x 5" D x 9 1/2" W

ref. 512PPP06T

A finely modeled matched pair of patinated bronze okimono capturing a hen and rooster, they are conceived as pendants and both are executed in the same workshop. Each bird is rendered with close naturalistic observation and an emphasis on surface articulation. The rooster stands alert with head raised and beak open mid-call, its tail feathers rising in a pronounced arc. The hen lowers her head in a feeding posture, creating a compositional contrast that reinforces their pairing.

The bronzes exhibit exceptional surface quality. Individual feathers are articulated through precise chiseling and chasing, with subtle variation across breast, wing and tail plumage. The layering of the feathers is convincingly structured with careful modulation of depth and edge definition. The feet are crisply detailed with fully developed scale patterning and sharply defined claws, demonstrating a remarkably high level of technical refinement by the workshop.

The patina is a deep nearly black-brown with hints of warm undertones while the eyes are gilded, offering a restrained but effective point of contrast against the darker ground. Each figure bears an inset signature plaque to the underside. Note the exquisite attention to detail in the feet, these stippled and each cast with very fine scaling of the legs with sharp talons.

A very finely preserved pair of extraordinary quality.

Condition: Minor surface wear consistent with age; patina well preserved with minor rubbing and wear to the historical surface; no observed structural losses; some bending to the tips of the projecting feathers of the rooster; ever-so-slight curving of toes such that when placed on a flat surface the talons do not touch; carefully cleaned and sealed in wax, ready to place.