AKASOFU GYOKKO: A SILVERED OKIMONO OF A FAR EASTERN CURLEW By Akasofu Gyokko, signed Gyokko saku Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The shorebird naturalistically cast with finely incised plumage, ring-punched claws with darker patination, and an elegantly curved and elongated beak. Perched on two gnarled tree stubs jutting out of shallow water, the curlew is busy inspecting its surroundings. Signed within a silvered rectangular reserve to the water GYOKKO saku [made by Gyokko]. HEIGHT 24.5 cm, LENGTH 31 cm WEIGHT 1,925 g Condition: Good condition with minor wear. Flaking to the silver. Few losses to the claws. Repairs to the legs. Akasofu Gyokko (dates unknown) lived in Tokyo, his factory producing cast metalwork for export. His given name was Sotojiro and he is recorded as a member of the Tokyo Chukinkai (Tokyo Cast Metalworkers' Association) in the second half of the Meiji era. Auction comparison: Compare a related silvered-metal okimono of a kestrel, 34.5 cm high, by the same maker and signed Gyokko, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 11 November 2010, London, lot 287 ( sold for GBP 6,600).