Brown patina copper alloy sculpture of a gyrfalcon, Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Firmly positioned on its two legs, head down, wings folded ready to spread, it seems to observe a prey before an imminent attack. The wings are finely chiseled and the eyes inlaid with shakudo and gilded copper. It bears an inlaid cartouche under the tail with the signature 嶐親 - Takachika. Standing on a double wooden base. Height: 26 cm; length: 38 cm Artist Sano Takachika - 佐野隆親 probably began his career in the regional metalworking center of Takaoka, in 1894 he became a member of the Tōkyō Chokokai (Tokyo Sculptors' Association) and exhibited at the Nihon Bijutsu Kyokai (Japan Arts Association), receiving an award there. He also worked for the imperial family and is listed in the catalog of the collection of Mr. Tomkinson "A Japanese collection" 1898. See also "Meiji no Takara - 明治の宝 - Treasures of Imperial Japan, the Nasser D. Khalili Collection", metal works, part II, #120, 121, 122 & 123.