611 - An exquisite okimono depicting a hawk perched on a branch, crafted from multicoloured bronze with details in shakudo and gold

An exquisite okimono depicting a hawk perched on a branch, crafted from multicoloured bronze with details in shakudo and gold Japan, marked 秀美 Shubi (Hideyoshi), Meiji period H. 40 cm A delicate bronze sculpture in the form of a goshawk perched on a gnarled tree trunk. The bird of prey is depicted in an upright posture with its head turned to the right. The plumage is rendered in a three-dimensional and highly detailed manner. Individual layers of feathers, sections of the wings and tail feathers are highlighted by fine engravings and varying surface textures. The dark-patinated bronze displays subtle metallic shading. The eyes and certain parts of the beak feature gold-coloured accents. The design suggests the use of shakudō, a traditional Japanese copper-gold alloy, as well as gilded details. The hawk sits with its talons in detail on a naturalistically rendered, irregularly branched tree trunk. The textured surface of the trunk contrasts with the finely executed depiction of the bird. Old South German private collection - Minor traces of age, the trunk with a restored chiped, the branch with buds is detachable