Features
◆ Made of cast iron, with clear weight
This piece is made of cast iron; a magnet will stick to it and the material is unmistakable. Compared with ceramic, resin or carved wood, the great advantage of a cast-iron figure is that it is heavy, stable and not easily knocked over, and it feels more substantial in the hand as a collected object.
◆ Bronze tones with the natural quality of an antique
The surface is not a modern bright black or bright gold finish but has dark brown and bronze tones with bright metal in places and traces of oxidation. This uneven colour is in fact one of the most appealing things about old metalwork, and makes the piece look more of its period.
◆ A fierce expression on the tiger's head, highly distinctive
The modelling of the tiger's face has real force. The brows are lowered and the gaze concentrated, the muzzle is heavy, and there is marked relief at the cheeks and whiskers. Without being over-realistic, the power of the tiger comes across at a glance.
◆ A settled seated pose, good for display
The tiger sits upright, with sturdy forelegs and the hindquarters drawn in, keeping the centre of gravity low. A form like this suits a table top, a cabinet or an entrance console very well; there are no fragile projecting details and it looks stable and upright.
◆ A rough cast texture with a folk-craft air
Irregular texture and unevenness left by casting can be seen on the surface. These traces keep the piece from being over-refined and give it a handmade, folk-craft, plain quality that suits anyone who likes wabi-sabi, old farmhouse interiors or Eastern antiques.