Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Heavily cast, the tiger with distinctively wrinkly skin reminiscent of garment folds cascading from the articulated spine, the tail appearing like a twisting rope, showing a particularly quizzical expression with large bulging eyes and the mouth contorted in a snarl showing sharp teeth.LENGTH 32.5 cmWEIGHT 4,121 gCondition: The tail has been reattached, otherwise in very good condition with minor surface wear and casting flaws. Fine, dark patina.Provenance: Berwick House, Shropshire, United Kingdom. In August 1875, James Watson, who would later serve as the Conservative MP for Shrewsbury from 1885 to 1892, bought Berwick House at auction, with its fine well-timbered park and estate. By 1879, Watson turned his sights to forming a collection of suitably impressive paintings and furnishings for the recreated rooms, and over the years built a substantial collection including many fine Japanese works of art.