Laura Bordignon

Tel: 01344 872863
Email: laura@laurabordignon.com
Web site: https://www.laurabordignon.co.uk/

Japanese bronze quails signed Atsuyoshi with seal Maruki Meiji period

SOLD

Code: 10149

Dimensions:

W: 7.5cm (3")H: 10.5cm (4.1")D: 12.5cm (4.9")



Japanese pair of bronze quails one is looking to the left and the other is preening its feathers, the eyes inlaid in shakudo and gold finely carved with a rich brown patination signed in an oval reserve Atsuyoshi saku 厚義作 with seal Maruki sei まるき製 (made by Miyabe Atsuyoshi for the Maruki Company), Meiji period 1868-1912.

The quail 鶉 (uzura) is symbolic of the Autumn season, and also of courage and victory in battle.

The artist Miyabe Atsuyoshi 宮部厚義 is recorded in Wakayama Takeshi 若山猛, Kinko jiten 金工事典 (Dictionary of Metalworkers), Tokyo, Token Shunju Shinbunsha 刀剣春秋新聞社, 1999 p.1141, as a maker of sword-fittings and was a pupil of Shinoyama Tokuoki (1813-1891), active in Kyoto during the late Edo period and early Meiji era. 

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

Size standing quail H 10.5cm (4.13" inches) x W 7.5cm (2.95 ") x D 12.5cm (4.92")
Size preening quail H 8.5cm  (3.34" inches) x W 6.5cm (2.55") x  D 12.5cm (4.92")

All our pieces come with a BADA Certificate of Provenance (The British Antiques Dealer's Association) and are inclusive of free worldwide shipping & insurance.