Bronze Japanese Bronze Elephant and Tigers by Genryusai Seiya So Beautiful

COCOMONEY.STORE,,,,AUTHENTIC VERIFIED INSPECED GUARANTEED,,,,Bronze Elephant and Tigers Genryusai Seiya

19th century

This extraordinary bronze sculpture by Genryusai Seiya, a master of the Meiji period, depicts a breathtaking battle between an elephant and two tigers. The powerful imagery captures a tense moment as one tiger is trampled underfoot while the other fiercely pounces on the elephant’s back. The struggle is intense, drawing the viewer into the chaotic scene, yet the victor remains unclear. This highly detailed work showcases Seiya's incredible ability to convey both raw emotion and movement through bronze, making it a stunning example of his craftsmanship.

The sculpture masterfully renders the dramatic encounter, highlighting the immense power of the elephant and the ferocity of the tigers. The fine detailing in the bronze brings the scene to life—each muscle and furrow meticulously captured. The elephant’s wrinkled skin contrasts beautifully with the sleek, muscular bodies of the tigers, emphasizing the clash between the calm strength of the larger animal and the fierce agility of the predators. In Japanese art and folklore, the elephant represents strength, wisdom and longevity, while the tigers symbolize fierce power. The confrontation between the two embodies a dramatic tension between opposing forces, a theme often used to explore balance and resilience. The dynamic composition keeps the viewer in suspense, with each animal positioned to reflect the shifting balance of power in this life-or-death struggle.

Attributed to Genryusai Seiya, this bronze exemplifies the brilliance of Meiji-era bronze craftsmanship. Seiya, whose workshop specialized in the highest quality export wares, was renowned for his lifelike animal bronzes. His works are highly prized for their realism and artistic detail, often incorporating both Japanese and Western influences. He was likely to have been heavily influenced by the opening of the Tokyo Zoo in 1882, and today his animal bronzes are renowned as the finest of his oeuvre. During the late 19th century, his animal bronzes became particularly sought after as Japan's artistic output flourished under renewed international interest. His sculptures remain some of the most coveted examples of Meiji-period art.

Stamped with a maker’s mark, featuring the Chinese-derived Japanese characters known as kanji

25 3/4" high x 22" wide x 10" deepType: Decorative Bronze

Depth: 10.0 in. (25.4 cm)

Width: 22.0 in. (55.88 cm)

Height: 25.75 in. (65.41 cm)