Antique Japanese c1900 Bronze Phoenix Sculpture Hou-Ou Peace & Mercy 18"

This is an antique Japanese bronze sculpture of a standing Phoenix or Hou-ou 鳳凰. The casting work is very details with beautiful patterning in the feathers. Decorated in gold on the head and back. This was likely made around the turn of the century c. 1900 or perhaps earlier. The Phoenix is said to bring peace and calm such that when it flies even the wind stops birds and insects quite. It is the defender of the four directions best of omens.

The Phoenix sculpture stands 12" high by about 18" long. Having been carefully displayed and in storage for much of the past 100 years, with just a bit of oxidation on the bronze finish, it remains in very good condition.