A MASSIVE BRONZE OKIMONO OF A SEA EAGLE Japan, c. 1900, Meiji period (1868-1912) Massively cast as a large sea eagle perched on a rocky outcrop engulfed in violently crashing waves with prominent spherical water droplets, the feet part of the separately cast base and each of the wings cast separately as well. HEIGHT 63 cm WEIGHT 14.8 kg Condition: Good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities, traces of gilt, few minuscule nicks, occasional light scratches, one leg has been reattached, still slightly loose. Provenance: German private collection. The underside incised with a lengthy inscription stating the okimono was commissioned by Inoue Ryonosuke of the Inoue Company, together with his business partners, including the successful businessman and founder of the historic Fujiya Hotel in Hakone, Yamaguchi Sennosuke (1851-1915). The Inoue company was founded in December 1897, retailing stationery, paper products, and printing materials. Auction comparison: Compare a related but larger (76 cm high) bronze okimono of an eagle, dated to the late 19th century, at Christie's, Masterful Exuberance, Artistic Craftsmanship of Imperial Japan: The Property of a Lady, 18 May 2012, London, lot 150 (sold for 13,750 GBP).