Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Study of Elephant Fighting with Two Tigers c.1880

This superb Japanese Meiji period bronze study has exceptionally good detailing. It portrays a figure group of a large muscular bull elephant being attacked and fighting with two tigers. One is clinging to his back and the other has been knocked to the ground lying on its back with the elephant about to stamp on it. The sculptor has cleverly captured this intense scene perfectly showing the natural movement and detailed features of these fabulous animals. This bronze is hand finished with much of the fine detailing done by hand chasing with a chisel. It has a good dark brown patination and is signed by the artist with a seal mark on the underside of the elephant. This pleasing and impressive piece comes complete with its original hand carved hardwood stand.