Items Similar to Important and Monumental Japanese Bronze Okimono – Sano Takachika
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 20
Important and Monumental Japanese Bronze Okimono – Sano Takachika
About the Item
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this magnificent huge scale Meiji Period 1868-1912 bronze elephant and tiger group by the leading 19th century metalworker Sano Takachika. This monumental group has certainly retained the quality associated with this artist, so much so it was accepted as a long term exhibit at the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam. The artist has captured the often seen image of an Asian elephant being attacked and seemingly fending off a marauding troop of tigers, in this particular instance one tiger is pinned beneath the elephants foot as it rears up in an attempt to overthrow the others, the sheer scale of this group is something to behold and unlike anything we have encountered in a lifetime of handling Japanese art. The group stands upon its original hardwood stand that has been carefully carved on the face to safely locate this incredibly heavy bronze study, artist signed in a seal to the underside that translates to read, made in Yokohama great Japan by Sano Takachika. There seems little doubt that an okimono of this scale was destined for one of the major exhibitions around the turn of the century, possibly Paris 1900 , our research is still ongoing to trace the first 30 years of its life.
UPDATE : Further research has led us to a promotional catalogue from a retail outlet based in Yokohama, known as K.Kakuha , the images of their bronze elephant are virtually identical to ours. This interesting updated information suggests that this retailer was likely selling items for local artists such as Takachika.
Provenance :
A family file typed in Dutch that accompanies the group records the elephant in a 1927 black and white image in the offices of the owner Joseph Albertus Houtzager 1883-1961, how long the owner had the group prior to that image is unknown at this time, however it stayed in the same family for around 100 years until our recent acquisition in early 2023.
In 1934 Mr Houtzager loaned the group to the Royal Tropical Museum on a long term basis , see the archive black and white image in the main hall, upon his death in 1961 the group passed title to his daughter Dr Maria Elizabeth Houtzager 1907-2001 and her siblings, whilst remaining on museum display. It is interesting to note that his daughter Maria was a curator at the central museum of Utrecht prior to being promoted to director from 1951-1972.
In the 1980’s the family offered the giant beast for sale, firstly to the Tropenmuseum, who sadly could not accept the offer and secondly an invitation to sell at Christies was explored, unsurprisingly the auction could not agree values for estimate with the family members, as such in 1983 the elephant returned to the family ownership, presumably at one of the siblings homes until the passing of Dr Maria in Dec 2021, the notes suggest that Dr Maria affectionately refereed to the elephant as her “beastie” and it is therefore fair to assume she probably housed it in the period 1983-2021.
Literature :
A few major examples of work by this artist are recorded in well known worldwide collections, two examples can be found in the Khalili collection, Meiji No Takara Treasures of Imperial Japan , metalwork volume II, plate 120 displays a hawk Koro on perch and plate 121 shows a very similar decorated pigeon Koro on stand, the volume also suggests a snake and eagle Koro on a tree trunk is recorded in the well known collection of Michael Tomkinson at plate 72 .
The artist Sano Takachika was a master of hammering, metal carving and chiseling and a recorded member of the Tokyo Chokokai ( Tokyo association of carvers and sculpters ) he is known to have exhibited at many of the expositions of the period including the Japan art society spring exhibition of 1894 where he exhibited gold and silver figures of a heron and a crow .
Condition report :
The group is in fantastic age related condition throughout.
Approximate Sizes :
Overall Length : 66 3/4″” 169.5 cm (48 1/2″ 123 cm the bronze )
Overall Height : 52 1/2″ 133.5 cm (43 1/2″ 110 cm the bronze )
Overall Depth : 35 1/2″ 90 cm ( inc tusks)
Weight : 185 kg Approx
Free UK delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.
* Worldwide buyers please contact for a shipping quote prior to purchase *
- Dimensions:Height: 52.5 in (133.35 cm)Width: 66.75 in (169.55 cm)Depth: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)
- Style:Meiji (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1868-1912
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Christchurch, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8622236848322
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 2011
1stDibs seller since 2023
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Christchurch, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Charming Japanese Bronze Turtle Okimono by SeiminLocated in Christchurch, GBAs part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this charming Meiji Period 1868-1912, bronze okimono group of a cluster of turtles, possibly Japanese pond t...Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
- Large Japanese Bronze Monkey Okimono – Genryusai SeiyaLocated in Christchurch, GBAs part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this large scale Meiji period (1868-1912) majestic bronze okimono group depicting an adult monkey at full st...Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
- Enchanting Japanese Bronze Owl OkimonoLocated in Christchurch, GBAs part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most enchanting Meiji Period (1868-1912), bronze okimono depicting a long eared owl upon a rootwood bra...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
MaterialsBronze
- Japanese Bronze Hawk Okimono by MarukiLocated in Christchurch, GBAs part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most endearing Meiji Period (1868-1912) bronze okimono of a hawk perched upon a rootwood base, the hawk...Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Metalwork
MaterialsBronze
- Large Japanese Bronze and Shakudo Okimono Turtles - Jomi EisukeBy Eisuke Miyao 1Located in Christchurch, GBAs part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this large scale exceptional quality Meiji period (1868-1912) okimono group of infant turtles clambering upo...Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Metalwork
MaterialsBronze
- Large Japanese Bronze Elephant Okimono - Genryusai SeiyaLocated in Christchurch, GBAs part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this unusual Meiji Period 1868-1912 , study of a large elephant performing a balancing act upon two huge bro...Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
MaterialsBronze
You May Also Like
- Large and Impressive Meiji Period Bronze Bison by Sano Takachika for the KakuhLocated in Lymington, HampshireA large and impressive Meiji period bronze bison by Sano Takachika for the Kakuha Company, the animal powerfully modelled with his head low and turned slightly to the left and with a...Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
- Japanese Bronze Pheasant Okimono Genryusai SeiyaLocated in Newark, EnglandUnusual Casting of a Pheasant in Flight From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese bronze okimono of a Pheasant upon a naturalistic root wood base. The Ph...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
- Japanese bronze okimono turtle (sculpture)Located in PARIS, FROkimono sculpture of a bronze turtle, tail retractable. In Japan, the turtle (kame) is a symbol of longevity and an auspicious animal. It is believed to bring ten thousand years of h...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
- Okimono - Bronze Sculpture By Kakuha Kanzaemon, Japan Meiji EraLocated in Saverne, Grand EstSuperb bronze okimono with black patina representing a peasant resting after his work, a basket of vegetables at his feet. Signed Kakuha Sei on the wooden stump. Excellent quality ! ...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
- Japanese Tokyo School Bronze Okimono of a Farmer, Meiji PeriodLocated in Austin, TXA very fine and detailed Tokyo School cast bronze okimono (decorative sculpture) of a smiling farmer, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The e...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
- Japanese bronze okimono Jizai Praying Mantis (articulated sculpture)Located in PARIS, FRJizai okimono sculpture of an articulated bronze praying mantis. Insects (mushi) play an important role in Japanese culture. Insect hunting is a popular pastime, especially among chi...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Japanese Metal Bronzes
Japan Vintage Sculpture
Snuff Bottle On Stand
Kettle Bell
Huge Amulet
Japanese Gods Ship
Bat And Link Chain
Burmese Chess
Carved Wood Buddha And 4 Monks Set
Chinese Shadow Puppets
Jade Stallion
Japanese Wind Chime
Japanese Wood Happy Buddha Carvings
Stone And Iron Bonsai
Tribal Rubbing On Fabric
Cast Iron Windchime
Pagoda Umbrella Outdoor
Wooden Buddha Muromachi