Description TSUNEHARU: AN IMPRESSIVE PARCEL-GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE OKIMONO OF A KESTREL
By Tsuneharo, signed Tsuneharu saku
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Naturalistically cast as a kestrel with partly gilt beak and talons as well as gilt eyes with dark pupils, perched on an original gnarled root wood stand in the form of a withered branch. Note themasterful carving and incision work to the plumage and talons. Signed within an inlaid rectangular shibuichi reserve TSUNEHARU saku (made by).
It is likely that Tsuneharu was a student or admirer of Masatsune, who made several very fine okimono of kestrels (see auction comparison).
HEIGHT total 40.3 cm, HEIGHT falcon 19 cm
WEIGHT without base 1,604 g
Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces of wear.
Provenance: British collection.
Auction comparison:
Compare with a related but larger okimono of a kestrel by Masatsune sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 12 September 2012, New York, lot 3370 (
sold for 12,500 USD).