A Japanese Bronze Okimono Depicting The Study Of A Panther

Excellent quality dark patina bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful panther.

The posture is engaging with the hind legs bent, tail curled upwards and the body in an oblique position. The jaws are wide open and show the animal's teeth, while the whiskers are in relief.

The streaks of the fur are depicted in a masterly way and highlighted in a different patina even to the touch. The eyes are in gilded bronze which give the animal greater truthfulness and strength.

This okimono is signed under the belly with the Nihon koku Maruki sei 日本國丸喜製 mark.

Maruki, active during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan, stands out for the finesse and considerable weight of his sculptures and is considered one of the best producers of Japanese bronzes.

Origin: Japan

Period: Meiji second half of the 19th century.

Dimensions tiger excluding base: 54 x 13.5 x 25.5 cm. – Weight: 7.5 kg.

Root base dimensions: 63.5 x 30.5 cm.

State of conservation: Very good