Japanese Bronze Pheasant Okimono by Genryusai Seiya Meiji Period

Description This Japanese bronze okimono of a pheasant by Genryusai Seiya is a dynamic Meiji period sculpture dating to circa 1890. Cast in bronze with gilt and patinated finishes, the bird is shown mid-stride just before takeoff, its body tensed and tail extended with lifelike precision. Every detail, from the incised featherwork to the splayed claws, is rendered with clarity, capturing the alert posture and striking presence of the male pheasant in motion. The pheasant is positioned upon a natural root wood base, its rugged organic form providing visual contrast to the smooth, finely worked metal above. The flowing contours of the base echo the bird’s poised energy and further elevate the sense of movement within the composition. The underside of the bronze is signed in a square seal reserve Genryusai Seiya 源龍斎誠谷造, a leading sculptor of the Meiji era known for his finely cast okimono and exhibition-quality bronzes. Works by Seiya were frequently presented at national and international expositions, and he remains a key figure in the history of Japanese metalwork. Dating to the Meiji period, this bronze pheasant okimono exemplifies the technical confidence and visual storytelling that defined Japan’s artistic output in the late 19th century. Learn about GENRYUSAI SEIYA is one of the most celebrated Japanese bronze artists of the Meiji period. His workshop specialised in export wares of supreme quality, including animals, vases, and human figures. Most commonly Seiya bronzes can be seen as tigers and elephants often in single form or small groups. Renowned for his attention to detail, Seiya manages to encapsulate a natural and realistic look to every figure that has you checking twice to see if it is indeed a sculpture. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Genryusai Seiya and our article Genryusai Seiya: Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Master. LEARN ABOUT THE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art. For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation. WHAT IS BRONZE? Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today. For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques. Measurements 46cm High x 46cm Wide x 25cm Deep inc. Base (18.1 x 18.1 x 9.8 Inches) Condition Excellent, beautiful patination and natural root wood With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing.