27 - † ATSUYOSHI FOR THE MARUKI COMPANY: A SUPERB PAIR OF LARGE BRONZE GOATS

† ATSUYOSHI FOR THE MARUKI COMPANY: A SUPERB PAIR OF LARGE BRONZE GOATS By Atsuyoshi for the Maruki Company, signed Atsuyoshi with the mark Maruki shachu seisaku Japan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Superbly and naturalistically cast with a rich dark-brown patina, the two goats depicted in contrasting, lifelike attitudes, one standing upright with its head raised and turned slightly to the side, its expression alert and watchful, while the other lowers its head as if about to graze. Their shaggy coats are masterfully modeled in thick, deeply undulating locks, cascading along their flanks, chests, and haunches, the individual strands finely chased to create a remarkable sense of texture and movement. The powerful curling horns, pointed ears, long beards, and expressive eyes are rendered with great precision, as are the slender legs terminating in carefully articulated cloven hooves. The differing postures and subtle expressions lend the pair a particularly convincing naturalism. Each signed to the base ATSUYOSHI within a rectangular reserve, followed by a seal-style mark MARUKI SHACHU seisaku [Manufactured at the Maruki Company]. The two figures are accompanied by a finely carved wood presentation base, fashioned with an irregular, undulating outline and beautifully figured grain. LENGTH (incl. base) 52.5 cm HEIGHT 28.5 cm and 17 cm WEIGHT of the goats 4.9 kg and 3.9 kg Provenance: Bonhams, Ancient Skills, New Worlds: Twenty Treasures of Japanese Metalwork from a Private Collection, 12 September 2018, New York, lot 18 (mid-estimate of USD 17,500 or approx. EUR 20,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Condition: Excellent condition with minor expected wear. The Maruki Company was active during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and was particularly renowned for its finely cast bronze animal sculptures, distinguished by their substantial weight, meticulous finish, and remarkable naturalism. Atsuyoshi is known for his finely modeled studies of both wild and domesticated animals, many produced for the Maruki Company. The contrasting attitudes of the present goats, captured with remarkable sensitivity and meticulous attention to their anatomy and shaggy coats, exemplify the expressive naturalism characteristic of the finest Meiji-period animal bronzes. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.