Figure of an Eagle

Location: Japan

Materials: bronze, with details in gilding and shakudo

Dimensions: height 235 cm (overall); 152 cm (bird)

Accession Number: MX 65

Other Notes:

A very large bronze eagle standing on a rocky promontory, wings spread, with foaming beakers below. A similar piece stood at the entrance to the Japanese exhibit in the Fine Arts Pavilion at the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. This piece is attributed to Suzuki Chokichi, one of the heroic figures of Meiji craft, who was appointed Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household) in 1896. He is the creator of the large koro M 62 and MX 68, which are both in the Collection.

Bibliography:

J. Earle, Splendors of Imperial Japan: Arts of the Meiji period from the Khalili Collection, London 2002, cat. 191, pp. 276–7.