Bronze - Cranes and Tortoise on Rock - 1900-2000
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Japanese bronze decorative sculpture (karakane) titled Cranes and Tortoise on Rock, original/official, dating to 1900-2000, depicting a pair of cranes on a rock with a tortoise at their feet, height 29.5 cm, width 39 cm, depth 20 cm, weight 3600 g, hollow-cast underside, in good condition and sold without a stand.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a Japanese bronze decorative sculpture (karakane) featuring a pair of cranes standing on a rock, with a small tortoise resting at their feet. The combination of crane and tortoise is a classic motif in Japanese decorative arts, symbolizing longevity and good fortune, making this an auspicious piece well-suited for display in a tokonoma alcove, entryway, or as interior décor.
The two cranes are rendered with careful attention to the texture of their feathers, with slender elongated legs and a touch of red on the head evoking the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis). One crane stands with its neck stretched high and beak open, while the other bows its neck low toward the tortoise — a dynamic and lifelike composition characteristic of Japanese metalwork sculptures from the late Meiji to early Shōwa period.
The bronze surface has developed a rich patina with age: a muted verdigris on the rock base, deeper oxidation discoloration on the legs, and a contrast with the more brightly polished tone of the crane bodies themselves. The underside is hollow-cast, typical of decorative bronzeware of this type.
Dimensions
Height: 29.5 cm
Width: 39 cm
Depth: 20 cm
Weight: 3600 g
Condition
Natural age-related patination is visible throughout, with verdigris on the bronze base and deeper discoloration on the legs; however, these are consistent with the age and history of use of this piece. No significant cracks, damage, or signs of restoration are apparent, and the piece remains in good condition for an antique decorative bronze.
Additional Information
Material: Bronze (karakane)
Motif: Crane and tortoise on rock (traditional design symbolizing longevity and good fortune)
Origin: Japan
Intended use: Decorative display in a tokonoma alcove, entryway, or as interior décor
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This is a Japanese bronze decorative sculpture (karakane) featuring a pair of cranes standing on a rock, with a small tortoise resting at their feet. The combination of crane and tortoise is a classic motif in Japanese decorative arts, symbolizing longevity and good fortune, making this an auspicious piece well-suited for display in a tokonoma alcove, entryway, or as interior décor.
The two cranes are rendered with careful attention to the texture of their feathers, with slender elongated legs and a touch of red on the head evoking the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis). One crane stands with its neck stretched high and beak open, while the other bows its neck low toward the tortoise — a dynamic and lifelike composition characteristic of Japanese metalwork sculptures from the late Meiji to early Shōwa period.
The bronze surface has developed a rich patina with age: a muted verdigris on the rock base, deeper oxidation discoloration on the legs, and a contrast with the more brightly polished tone of the crane bodies themselves. The underside is hollow-cast, typical of decorative bronzeware of this type.
Dimensions
Height: 29.5 cm
Width: 39 cm
Depth: 20 cm
Weight: 3600 g
Condition
Natural age-related patination is visible throughout, with verdigris on the bronze base and deeper discoloration on the legs; however, these are consistent with the age and history of use of this piece. No significant cracks, damage, or signs of restoration are apparent, and the piece remains in good condition for an antique decorative bronze.
Additional Information
Material: Bronze (karakane)
Motif: Crane and tortoise on rock (traditional design symbolizing longevity and good fortune)
Origin: Japan
Intended use: Decorative display in a tokonoma alcove, entryway, or as interior décor
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Cranes and Tortoise on Rock
Height
29.5 cm
Width
39 cm
Depth
20 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
