A finely cast Japanese bronze sculpture depicting a tiger cautiously making its way across a flowing stream. The animal is rendered with remarkable attention to detail, from the muscular tension of its body and expressive facial features to the carefully modelled fur and powerful paws. The naturalistic base, shaped as swirling water and rocky outcrops, enhances the sense of movement and drama.
The underside bears a cast maker’s seal, indicating workshop production during the Meiji period (1868–1912), an era renowned for the exceptional quality of Japanese bronze craftsmanship created for both the domestic market and export. Sculptures of this type were highly appreciated for their combination of technical mastery and dynamic realism.
