Laura Bordignon

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

Japanese bronze Samurai archer signed Gyōkō Meiji period

SOLD

Code: 10167

Dimensions:

W: 29cm (11.4")H: 49cm (19.3")D: 21cm (8.3")



Japanese bronze Samurai archer holding a bow in one hand and preparing to draw his arrow with the other, the gilt details mon (heraldic crest) finely worked on ground of rich brown patination, with an aikuchi into his waist and a tachi suspended from his side, standing on a wood base carved with a paulownia motif, signed in a rectangular reserve Gyōkō 暁光, Meiji period 1868-1912.

The artist Akasofu Gyōkō 赤祖父暁光 (given name Sotojirō) lived in Tokyo producing from his workshop cast metalwork sculptures. His recorded figures of birds are hawks and eagles but he also produced large-scale models of samurai warriors. He was a member of the Tokyo Cast Metalworkers’ Association (Tōkyō Chōkinkay) active in the second half of the Meiji era.

Reference: 'Splendors of Meiji Treasures of Imperial Japan' by J. Earle no. 93, 223 & 224.

Also see 'Meiji no Takara 明治の宝 Treasures of Imperial Japan, the D. Khalili Collection', Metalwork part II, No.110.

Samurai size without wood base H 36 cm ( 14.17" in.)