A Pair Of Monumental Japanese Bronze Cranes, Meiji Period (1868–1912)
Lincoln, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Other Wood
Style
Antique, Oriental, Traditional, Victorian, Edwardian
Product Details
Description
An exceptionally fine pair of Japanese bronze cranes, displaying the masterful realism and technical virtuosity of the Meiji period. These elegant sculptures are life-sized, capturing the birds in graceful, naturalistic poses, one standing alert with its head raised, the other preening its feathers.
A Pair of Monumental Japanese Bronze Cranes, Meiji Period (1868–1912)
An exceptionally fine pair of Japanese bronze cranes, displaying the masterful realism and technical virtuosity of the Meiji period. These elegant sculptures are life-sized, capturing the birds in graceful, naturalistic poses, one standing alert with its head raised, the other preening its feathers.
The surface decoration is extraordinary, with each individual feather meticulously rendered through a combination of precision casting and hand-tooling.
The pair is designed as a balanced composition; the upward-reaching neck of one crane provides a dramatic verticality that is perfectly countered by the intimate, curved silhouette of its companion.
Cast in high-quality bronze, the birds possess a rich, dark chocolate-brown patina with subtle variations that highlight the muscularity and form of the legs and bodies.
In Japanese culture, the crane (tsuru) is a sacred symbol of longevity and fidelity, believed to live for a thousand years. Such large-scale bronzes were often intended for the luxurious gardens or grand entrance halls of the Japanese elite.
During the Meiji period, Japanese bronze casters, freed from the traditional demands of samurai armor and Buddhist statuary, turned their immense skills toward "Export Art" for the West. These monumental sculptures were the stars of International Exhibitions in London and Paris, where they were highly sought after by Victorian and Edwardian collectors for grand conservatories and formal gardens.
While unsigned, the quality of the feather-work and the realistic tension in the legs suggest a workshop of high standing, possibly that of the Miyao or Genryusai Seiya lineages.
Dealer’s Comments
"To find a pair that has survived in such exceptional condition is increasingly rare. They are as much a triumph of engineering as they are of art—balancing such substantial bodies on those slender legs is a testament to the genius of the Meiji bronze-smith. They would provide a magnificent focal point for a grand hallway or a sheltered courtyard garden."
Measurement
Height: 111 cm / 43.7 inch
Width: 29 cm / 11.4 inch
Depth: 33 cm / 13 inch
Weight: 7.3 k.g. / 16.1 lbs
Price for set
Condition report:
The pair is in excellent antique condition, exhibiting a fine and consistent patina.
The bronze surfaces retain an even, dark-toned patina with very minor, age-appropriate surface wear.
There is a faint, attractive verdigris (green oxidation) around the talons and bases, which is natural for bronze of this age and confirms its authenticity.
Additional dimensions information:
Height: 111 cm / 43.7 inch Width: 29 cm / 11.4 inch Depth: 33 cm / 13 inch Weight: 7.3 k.g. / 16.1 lbs
Wear Condition
Good
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Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
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| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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