This is a magnificent, monumental Japanese bronze statue, definitively identified as an exceptionally large, high-quality antique okimono (decorative floor ornament) which places it among the most ambitious and complex works produced during the peak of Japanese metalworking—the Meiji Period (1868–1912). Expertly cast in true bronze and featuring remnants of parcel-gilding, this sculpture required advanced, multi-part assembly and detailed craftsmanship reserved for only the most skilled master workshops of the era.
The hyper-realistic detail, natural green patina (verdigris), and dynamic pose are all hallmarks of this period.
The samurai's armour is rich with traditional Japanese symbolism, prominently featuring the Katabami Mon (Wood Sorrel Crest) —an emblem prized by samurai for symbolising the perpetual prosperity of their lineage—alongside powerful decorative motifs such as the three-clawed dragon and the mythical Hō-ō (phoenix).
The colossal scale, complex subject matter of a warrior reining in a spirited horse, and the meticulous lost-wax casting technique required for this level of detail place the piece in the premier category of Meiji fine art. As a substantial and historically significant work from a highly proficient, anonymous master workshop of the period, this bronze would be at the pinnacle of any collection.
