A Wonderful Pair of Mid-20thC Ornamental Verdigris Cast Bronze Standing Herons c.1950-60

SOLD
Origin: Unknown
Period: Mid 20thC
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1950-60
The Taller: 36” high x 6.75” wide x 19” deep
The Smaller: 30.5” high x 9.5” wide x 19.5” deep

The hugely decorative life-size patinated verdigris hollow cast bronze models of herons, well cast, one with mouth agape and the other closed, and free-standing without bases, showing a healthy patina and surviving from the third quarter of the twentieth century.

The herons have the expected wear and a lovely green tinted patination that comes with bronzes and weathering commensurate with being placed outdoors. The patination is slightly different to each, with the larger example having more of the bronze showing through. They no visible repairs to speak of which is good considering the age and the fragility of the feet and beaks. This pair are of infinite better quality than those contemporary pieces now seen online, most with fountain inserts.

Seen in traditional English country house gardens, these ‘lost wax process’ Asian symbols of peace are lifelike in their elegance, exemplifying their graceful legs and exquisite, elongated necks. The herons are similar to that of crane models and are essentially based on original designs from the Japanese, Meiji Period (1869-1912) which would have been largely imported into the UK in the early years of the 20th century, and sometimes fitted with light fittings.

With a great patination to each and the ability to illuminate any garden, or room for that matter, this superb pair of semi-old pieces are streets ahead of the 21stC alternatives.
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