Page 157 - Bonhams Fine Japanese Art London Nov. 2019

(another view with stand)

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A BRONZE OKIMONO GROUP OF THREE TURTLES Provenance:
By Okazaki Sessei (1854-1921), Meiji era (1868-1912), Nabeshima Naoshiro (1846–1921), the 11th and final daimyo of Saga
late 19th/early 20th century Domain in Hizen Province, Kyūshū, Japan; Nagoko was his second wife.
Naturalistically cast, showing two smaller turtles attempting to clamber
over the carapace of the adult turtle, their tails trailing to the sides, Okazaki Sessei received his early training in Osaka under his father, a
the details finely wrought, their pupils inlaid in shakudo, signed on the maker of iron kettles, before moving to Tokyo to study casting under
base of the largest turtle Sessei within a rectangular reserve, with a Suzuki Masayoshi. He participated in both domestic and international
large black-lacquered stand of mokko form, supported on four scrolled expositions and became famous for his work on large-scale public
feet; with a wood storage box inscribed outside on the lid Dosei works including the statues of Saigo Takamori at the entrance to Ueno
shiyu kame (Bronze female and male turtles), inside the lid inscribed Park and of Kusunoki Masashige in the square in front of the Imperial
Meiji yonjusannen gogatsu muika, onkeiji ni tsuki koshaku Nabeshima Palace. In his later years he served as Professor at Tokyo School of Art.
Naohiro, Nagako (Marquis Nabeshima Naohiro and Nagako on the
occasion of an auspicious event, 6 May 1910) and Tokuin.
The okimono: 24cm x 20cm (9½in x 7 7/8in);
the stand: 10cm x 54cm x 30cm (4in x 21¼in x 11¾in). (3).
£6,000 - 8,000
JPY790,000 - 1,100,000
US$7,400 - 9,900

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. FINE JAPANESE ART | 155