Description † AKASOFU GYOKKO: AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE BRONZE OKIMONO OF AN ASCENDING EAGLEBy Akasofu Gyokko (Gyoko), signed GyokkoJapan, late 19th century- early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely cast, the bronze patinated to a highly attractive, almost black finish, the majestic bird about to soar but as of now still perched atop a gnarled rootwood base, its wings bent backwards, stretched out and head raised toward the sky, the details such as the curved beak, gilt-ringed pupils, and incised plumage neatly rendered, the bronze signed within a rectangular reserve underneath GYOKKO.HEIGHT 45 cm (incl. base), WIDTH 43 cmWEIGHT 5,770 g (the eagle), 2,874 g (the base)Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: British collection.Akasofu Gyokko (dates unknown) lived in Tokyo, his factory producing cast metalwork for export. His given name was Sotojiro and he is recorded as a member of the Tokyo Chukinkai (Tokyo Cast Metalworkers' Association) in the second half of the Meiji era.The posture of the present eagle is to be considered extremely rare. While many similar Meiji bronzes show various birds of prey preparing for flight with their wings extended, the position of the head and wings of the present bronze is rather unique.Auction comparison:Compare to a similar bronze of an eagle, by Kaneya, sold at Bonhams, Traditional Travel Transition, Japanese Art across the Centuries, 4 November 2021, London, lot 150 (sold for 9,562 GBP).