Japanese bronze rooster and hen attributed to Mitani Meji period

Japanese bronze group of a long-tailed rooster and hen naturalistically modelled, the male bird is perched gracefully atop a gnarled maple tree trunk, its head lowered as it gazes down towards the female, who looks up with attentive posture. The feather work is intricately engraved and carved with rich brown copper patination in shakudo and gold highlights giving depth and texture to the plumage. The combs are in a deep red patina adding lifelike vibrancy attributed to Mitani 美⾕, Meiji period (1868-1912).

The onagadori 尾⻑鶏 was a rare and revered breed developed in 17th-century Tosa province (modern-day Kōchi, Shikoku island) and was highly prized for its long elegant tail feathers. Historically presented as prestigious gifts to temples and nobility, the onagadori was said to symbolise the owner’s status and wealth.Today, the onagadori holds national treasure status in Japan, emblematic of cultural pride and refined breeding tradition.

Reference:
For related bronze works by the artist Mitani see 'The Golden Age of Japanese Okimono, the Dr. Kanter Collection', by Laura Bordignon, ACC Woodbridge 2010, Metalwork no. 244, 245, 246.

Mitani, Frederick Baekeland 'Imperial Japan, the art of the Meiji Era', Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Ithaca, New York 1980. Catalogue no. 106.

Size of Rooster: H 77cm (30.3" in.) x W 31cm (12.2" in.)

Size of Hen: H 19cm (7.48" in.) x W 21cm (8.2" in.)

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