HANEHIRO: A FINE SILVERED BRONZE OKIMONO OF A HAWK By the Hanehiro workshop, signed Hanehiro Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) The hawk perched on a naturalistically cast parcel-gilt bronze stand in the form of gnarled and twisted branches, its head lowered and wings outstretched in preparation for flight, the plumage neatly incised, the shibuichi beak with gilt cere and pierced nares, the eyes inlaid with amber glass, the gilt ring-punched feet with raised scales, the long curved claws with darker patination, the underbelly marked HANEHIRO. HEIGHT 62 cm (incl. stand), WIDTH 53 cm (the wing-span) WEIGHT 3,298 g (the hawk) and 5,897 g (the stand) Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. The hawk is traditionally a symbol of nobility and wealth, due to the expense of training and caring for the birds. Auction comparison: Compare a silvered-bronze model of an eagle by Masatsune, 64 cm wide, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 5 November 2020, London, lot 288 ( sold for GBP 11,312 ). Compare a silvered model of a hawk by Masatsune, also with a separately cast gilt-bronze tree-stump stand, 42.6 cm high, at Christie`s, 20 October 2000, New York, lot 189 ( sold for USD 10,575 ). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer`s premium – only for buyers within the EU.