Japanese bronze hawk signed Maruki Meiji period

Japanese bronze hawk with a rich brown patination and eyes inlaid in shakudo and gold ready to take flight signed in a square reserve Nihon koku Maruki sei 日本國丸喜製 (made by Maruki of Japan) Meiji period (1868-1912).

The hawk (taka 鷹) is an auspicious symbol of strength and power, and was much admired for its fearsome qualities by the warrior class.The tradition of falconry (Takagari 鷹狩) in Japan is believed to date back to the 4th century. Takagari birds (hawks, falcons and eagles) were popular with the nobility and the Samurai class to show their wealth and status. Alongside archery and swordsmanship, it was a favourite pastime of the elite to demonstrate their military prowess.

The Maruki workshop was based in Sukiya Street, Nihonbashi ward- Tokyo, made fine quality bronzes and carvings during the Meiji era, and exhibited at many domestic and international exhibitions. 

Reference: 'Meiji no Takara 明治の宝 Treasures of Imperial Japan, the Nasser D. Khalili Collection', the Kibo Foundation 1995, Metalwork Part II, no. 93 and no. 103.

'Splendors of Imperial Japan, Arts of the Meiji Period', by J. Earle no. 188. 

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