Small Japanese Meiji-period Bronze Sculpture – Owl On A Branch – 19th Century

Period: Meiji period, late 19th – early 20th century
Material: bronze
Origin: Japan
Subject: owl on a branch

Dimensions: 7 cm x 5 cm x 7 cm

A charming small Japanese bronze from the Meiji period, depicting an owl perched on a branch, in a pose that is at once natural, alert, and particularly expressive.

The sculpture stands out for the great finesse of the featherwork, carefully incised to capture the bird’s various textures. The eyes, small beak, and sculpted features of the face give the owl a remarkable presence despite its small size.

The bird rests on a finely modeled tree branch, with the details of the bark and the grain of the wood delicately rendered. The composition, which is very well-balanced, reflects the Japanese appreciation for the precise observation of nature and the depiction of animals in spontaneous poses.

Particularly captivating, the sculpture displays a superb variety of patina shades, ranging from deep brown to reddish brown, with darker highlights and natural variations that beautifully accentuate the bronze’s volumes and details.

Small animal bronzes from the Meiji period attest to the excellence achieved by Japanese bronze casters in modeling, chiseling, and patination.

A refined and decorative collector’s piece, ideal for a lover of Japanese bronzes or Japanese art from the Meiji period.

Condition: very good overall condition, beautiful antique patina.

ProAntic Keywords:
Japanese bronze, Japan, Meiji period, owl, bird, animal bronze, Japanese sculpture, 19th century, early 20th century, Japanese art, patina, brown patina, patinated bronze, chiseling, animal sculpture, branch, nature, small bronze, collectible, Japonism.