SEIYA: A BRONZE OKIMONO OF A LION
By Genryusai Seiya, signed Seiya saku
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Finely cast standing foursquare with a powerful expression, the mouth open revealing sharp teeth, the lion further with a wavy mane, long tail, and large eyes. The underside with the signature SEIYA saku within a rectangular reserve.

LENGTH 25 cm
WEIGHT 1,171 g

Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting flaws.
Provenance: Berwick House, Shropshire, United Kingdom. In August 1875, James Watson, who would later serve as the Conservative MP for Shrewsbury from 1885 to 1892, bought Berwick House at auction, with its fine well-timbered park and estate. By 1879, Watson turned his sights to forming a collection of suitably impressive paintings and furnishings for the recreated rooms, and over the years built a substantial collection including many fine Japanese works of art.