A monumental vase with a bird (robin?) Hunting a fly. The animal sits on a branch that has an amazingly beautiful flower (lily?). This subject matter in Japanese art is called Kachō-ga, meaning images of birds and flowers, and was extremely popular in the Edo and Meiji era. The scene was shown in a very realistic and expressive way.
Cast bronze, hand carved, polished and patinated.
Japan, Meiji era (1868-1912), Maruki Company, Seisui artist.
The marks read: ま る き 製 Maruki-sei (made) 晴 水 Seisui (the artisan's name).
Height: 49 cm.
The condition is visible in the photos, good, no damage, but there are scratches and abrasions to the patina.
Information:
http://portlandartmuseum.us/mwebcgi/mweb.exe?request=record;id=57592;type=101
Auction results:
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25151/lot/19/
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24681/lot/230/
https://www.zacke.at/auction/lot/36-maruki-company-an-exceptional-and-large-parcel-gilt-and-silvered-okimono-of-a-chin-dog/?lot=2680&sd = 1
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23269/lot/552/https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5416206
