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Can anyone give me any information on this bronze? It is signed. Do you know the signature? Any help would be great appreciated.

Thank you.

The maker's mark on this okimono of an old man holding a pipe reads 'Kaneda sei' (金田製 - made by Kaneda).

Kaneda Kenjirô (金田兼次郎, 1847-?), who together with Ishikawa Komei co-founded the Kankokai Craft Company in 1877, later became the adoptive father of the eldest daughter of the renowned lacquerer Shibata Zeshin. Although he is best known for his ivory carvings, he also commissioned figures in bronze. He exhibited several works at the Louisiana Purchase Exhibtion in 1904.

Unfortunally, the ivory of the face is cracked and his pipe is broken.
For a very similar model see Christie's sale NY, March 2012.

Guy.

URL Title :Christie\'s - Kaneda okimono

This Christie's result would seem to indicate your bronze is by Meiji period artisan Kaneda Kenjiro. The bronze at the link looks to be identical in form to what you show, but it may have a different or additional mark.

Best regards,

Bill H.

URL Title :Kaneda Bronze

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