7 - KANO SEIUN I: A SUPERB AND RARE BRONZE CLOCK DEPICTING A TENNYO (CELESTIAL MAIDEN), WITH A FRENCH MOVEMENT BY JAPY FRÈRES & CIE

KANO SEIUN I: A SUPERB AND RARE BRONZE CLOCK DEPICTING A TENNYO (CELESTIAL MAIDEN), WITH A FRENCH MOVEMENT BY JAPY FRÈRES & CIE The case, by Kano Seiun I (1871-after 1937), signed Seiun The clock, by Japy Frères & Cie, stamped Japy Frères & Cie, Gde. Med. D’Honneur Japan, early 20th century, Meiji (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926) Masterfully cast and finely patinated, the elaborate bronze case rising from a rectangular base in a towering mass of swirling, deeply undercut clouds, surrounding a circular gilt clock dial. Above floats a graceful tennyo (celestial maiden), her slender figure poised in mid-flight, clad in voluminous robes cascading in richly modeled folds, secured at the waist by an ornamental sash with gilt clasps. A long celestial scarf billows dramatically around her shoulders, while her serene face is delicately modeled with downcast eyes and finely arched brows, the hair elegantly arranged in a high chignon adorned with floral ornaments. Her gracefully extended arms and the sweeping drapery lend the composition a remarkable sense of movement and weightlessness. The gilt clock dial is finely decorated with black Arabic numerals arranged in circular reserves around a polychrome enamel floral medallion, with delicately pierced steel hands and a hinged glass cover. The bronze sculpture is sealed SEIUN to the lower reverse. The clock is fitted with a French mechanical movement, manually wound with an eight-day power reserve, incorporating a Brocot escapement regulated by a pendulum. The independent rack-striking mechanism sounds the hours and half-hours on a cast silver bell. The movement is stamped Japy Frères & Cie, Gde. Med. D’Honneur, Made in France. HEIGHT 44.8 cm (excl. stand), 50.2 cm (incl. stand) WEIGHT 10.4 kg (excl. stand), 10.9 kg (incl. stand) Condition: The bronze case in excellent condition with only minor wear and expected casting irregularities. The wood stand with occasional small dents. The clock mechanism was comprehensively restored by Kalivoda Uhrmachermeister between May and October 2026 and is in excellent working order. The restoration included extensive mechanical repairs, cleaning, adjustment, replacement of worn components, refurbishment of the dial and hands, and fitting of a new beveled glass and winding key. The original bronze patina was left untouched. A detailed restoration report and operating instructions are available upon request and will be supplied to the winning bidder. With a matching wood stand. During the Meiji period, Japan's rapid modernization prompted many highly skilled metalworkers, formerly engaged in the production of swords and armor, to turn their expertise toward luxury decorative objects for export. Japanese bronzes achieved remarkable success at international exhibitions, particularly in Paris, stimulating European demand for elaborate sculptures, vases, candelabra, and clocks. The present work is a superb example of this artistic and technical exchange, combining the exceptional craftsmanship of Japanese bronze casting with the precision of French clockmaking. The celestial maiden, or tennyo, belongs to a long-established tradition of heavenly beings in Japanese Buddhist art, often represented floating through the heavens with billowing robes and fluttering celestial scarves. The present sculpture beautifully translates this imagery into a dynamic three-dimensional composition. Kano Seiun I, born Kano Ginzaburo in 1871 and later adopting the art name Hoshosai, studied under the eminent metalworker Oshima Joun (1858-1940). He exhibited at the government-sponsored Bunten exhibitions, participated in the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris, and exhibited at the Taisho Exhibition in Tokyo in 1914. He remained active until at least 1937. Auction comparison: Compare a related bronze three-piece clock garniture, dated to the late 19th century, 78.7 cm high, at Christie's, 19th Century Furniture, Sculpture, Works of Art and Ceramics, 25 October 2005, New York, lot 548 (sold for USD 9,600 or approx. EUR 14,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a related bronze and mixed-metal clock by Man'ei, dated to the late 19th century, 91.4 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 17 March 2021, New York, lot 605 (sold for USD 21,312 or approx. EUR 28,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Due to length restriction on Drouot this entry is shortened. For full description please visit www.zacke.at.