Height: 82cms
Date: 1868 - 1912
£POA - What does POA mean?
Product Code: KPME29
Simply put, POA stands for “Price on Application”.
With some of our pieces, we prefer not to openly publish our asking price. We absolutely welcome visitors to the website to contact us to enquire about the cost of such pieces.
We just prefer to have a conversation to allow us to explain the pricing as well as to talk in more detail about the piece in question.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a super expensive piece but it may just be that there is something unique or special that we would like to be able to tell you about in more detail.
Contact us to find out more.
A large pair of Bronze Ho Ho Birds (Mythical Japanese creatures similar to the Phoenix). They are standing on the backs of Minogame, (long tailed tortoise.) The figures are designed to be symmetrical. One bird has its right wing extended whilst the opposing bird has its left wing extended. Similarly, one of the tortoises is looking to the right whilst the other looks to his left to create a perfect reflection.
The birds are decorated with fine inlay work using precious metals including Gold, Silver and Copper, there is an intricate dragon design to the closed wing of each bird. Similarly, each tortoise with a gold cloud inlay work and gold eyes.
Each Okimono is signed to the underside of the tortoise “Muroe Kichibei of the Etchu Province in the Country of Great Japan.
We believe these wonderful birds to be very similar if not the same pair that appeared in the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876. You can make them out in this fantastic presentation of metal work and ceramics from the Japanese Pavillion:
Images citation: Centennial Photographic Co.. Japanese screen & bronzes.
Condition is excellent. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information, pricing, additional images or to arrange a viewing.
Phoenix
The phoenix is a powerful symbol in Japan, used to represent the Empress. When used to decorate an object or house it symbolises the loyalty and honesty of the people that live there, traditionally a phoenix only stays when a ruler is without corruption.
Minogame
A minogame is a Japanese mythological creature based on the tortoise. It is believed that once a tortoise reaches 1000 years old it becomes a minogame, the long tail is actually alge and weeds which have grown on the shell due to the extreme longevity of the beast.
Due to their old age minogame represent longevity and are often seen with the luck god Fukurokuju.
Dragon
Dragons are hugely significant in Asian culture. Known as the Ryu or Tatsu in Japan, they are closely related to the Chinese Long and Korean Yong. Like all Asian dragons they lack wings and are serpent-like in form. The Japanese dragons rarely fly and usually reside in or near the sea and other bodies of water.
Japanese dragons have positive symbolism. They are good and represent wisdom, generosity and they are portrayed as using their powers to help mankind. (Unlike the Dragons of Western mythology.)
Generally you can tell a Chinese dragon from a Japanese by counting the toes, a Chinese having four or five and a Japanese having three.
Muroe Kichibei (1841-1903)
Muroe Kichibei was a metalworker who lived and worked in Takaoka and Kanazawa, he is known for his very fine works including many Buddhist subjects and animals.
We completely understand that purchasing art and antiques online is a relatively new concept to many people, so our team will be very happy to provide additional information and support along the way.
We are members of BADA, LAPADA and CINOA, working closely with these associations and we are very proud of our reputation as one of the most established, valued and trusted dealers of Japanese and Chinese Art and Antiques in the industry.
Our galleries in Islington are open Monday through to Saturday (from 1030 to 1630) by appointment only. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
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