This is a shibuichi hawk which has been hammered and engraved and then inlaid with shakudo, gold and silver. Birds were a favourite theme in Meiji period sculpture where the virtuosity of technique was a main feature. It may have been made for one of the International Expositions where Japan sought to demonstrate the skill of its craftsmen to the west. The stand is contemporary with the sculpture and probably associated with it.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Hawk on a Perch, c. 1890
Date supported
2005
Medium and material
Copper alloy, gold & silver
Dimensions
Height: 65 cm
Grant
15000
Total cost
35000
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