YOSHIAKI: A FINE BRONZE OKIMONO OF AN ONAGADORI (ROOSTER) By Ishida Yoshiaki, signed Yoshiaki zo Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely cast as a long-tailed rooster standing with its head lowered, the eyes inlaid in glass, the plumage naturalistically modeled and embellished with gilt, the separately cast shakudo tail feathers finely rendered, the comb naturalistically textured and patinated red. The underside singed YOSHIAKI zo [made by Yoshiaki] within a gilt rectangular reserve. HEIGHT 22 cm (excl. base), 31.5 cm (incl. base) WEIGHT 1,651 g (excl. base) With a gnarled wood base. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, light surface scratches, minuscule nicks. The root wood base with typical wear and natural age cracks. The pegs used to secure the bird to the base are possibly later replacements. Ishida Yoshiaki exhibited at the 1900 (Meiji 33) Paris Exposition. Auction comparison: Compare a related patinated bronze rooster and hen group by Yoshitani, dated Meiji period, at Bonhams, Fine Asian Works of Art, 21 June 2006, San Francisco, lot 3006 (sold for USD 7,170).