A Pair of Monumental Japanese Bronze Cranes, Meiji Period (1868–1912)

An exceptionally fine pair of Japanese bronze cranes, displaying the masterful realism and technical virtuosity of the Meiji period. These elegant sculptures are life-sized, capturing the birds in graceful, naturalistic poses, one standing alert with its head raised, the other preening its feathers.

The surface decoration is extraordinary, with each individual feather meticulously rendered through a combination of precision casting and hand-tooling.

The pair is designed as a balanced composition; the upward-reaching neck of one crane provides a dramatic verticality that is perfectly countered by the intimate, curved silhouette of its companion.

Cast in high-quality bronze, the birds possess a rich, dark chocolate-brown patina with subtle variations that highlight the muscularity and form of the legs and bodies.

In Japanese culture, the crane (tsuru) is a sacred symbol of longevity and fidelity, believed to live for a thousand years. Such large-scale bronzes were often intended for the luxurious gardens or grand entrance halls of the Japanese elite.

During the Meiji period, Japanese bronze casters, freed from the traditional demands of samurai armor and Buddhist statuary, turned their immense skills toward "Export Art" for the West. These monumental sculptures were the stars of International Exhibitions in London and Paris, where they were highly sought after by Victorian and Edwardian collectors for grand conservatories and formal gardens.

While unsigned, the quality of the feather-work and the realistic tension in the legs suggest a workshop of high standing, possibly that of the Miyao or Genryusai Seiya lineages.

Dealer’s Comments

"To find a pair that has survived in such exceptional condition is increasingly rare. They are as much a triumph of engineering as they are of art—balancing such substantial bodies on those slender legs is a testament to the genius of the Meiji bronze-smith. They would provide a magnificent focal point for a grand hallway or a sheltered courtyard garden."

Condition Report

The pair is in excellent antique condition, exhibiting a fine and consistent patina.

The bronze surfaces retain an even, dark-toned patina with very minor, age-appropriate surface wear.

There is a faint, attractive verdigris (green oxidation) around the talons and bases, which is natural for bronze of this age and confirms its authenticity.

Measurement

Height:             111 cm /      43.7 inch

Width:              29 cm /      11.4 inch

Depth:              33 cm /       13 inch

Weight:            7.3 k.g. /     16.1 lbs