A Japanese Bronze Elephant by Seiya Genryusai

Meiji period (1868-1912), finely cast bronze elephant with textured skin, his legs as if in a forward motion, his trunk raised up, with bronze tusks, marked in a cartouche to the underside 誠谷鑄 (cast by Seiya).

10 1/2 x 13 x 5 1/2 in.

Genryusai Seiya was the master craftsman in charge of a workshop which specialized in bronze export wares of the highest quality. Production included human genre figures, vases and exotic bronze models of animals probably influenced by the opening of Tokyo Zoological Gardens in 1882. Made for the Japanese export market during the Meiji period.

Very good condition; red numbers to underside of front foot.