Bronze model of a squirrel

Japan, Meiji period, 1868 – 1912

Height: 6 1/2 inches, 16.5 cm

Width: 4 7/8 inches, 12.5 cm

A bronze model of a squirrel, the stylised animal sitting on its haunches on a rectangular base, which slopes down to the front. Its front paws are held together in front of him. The animal is well detailed with rounded eyes and sharply pointed ears. A nut is placed on the base in front of him. The base is signed with the signature of the sculptor within a square.

This charming sculpture of a crouching squirrel is executed in the typical Art Déco style, probably influenced by European animaliers. Perhaps the sculptor exhibited also in Europe, where he would have come across this style of sculpting.