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Really appreciate anyone able to give me an idea of the translation and or age of this mark? It is on the underside of a large bronze elephant. 150 pounds, 24 inches tall and 50 inches from trunk to tail. Trunk is pointing downward.

The mark is an early Seiya one and is probably 1900 or slightly earlier making it mid to late Meiji period Japanese.

The mark reads:
Dai Nihon Genryusai Seiya zo
(Great Japan Genryusai Seiya built)

Given its size and the general quality of Genryusai Seiya's work I imagine it is a very impressive sculpture.

Thankyou Alan, very much! Based on other replies you have given, would this mark be of Seiya himself? The sculpture is extremely impressive, the detail is phenominal...thing is there is a one-half inch missing from the end of one tusk. I just went to look at the eyes and they are gone, something I hadn't noticed previously. (I am without camera for the moment, so can't take any full photos...just ordered a new camera!) Couple of quick questions....what depreciation would the above mentioned issues make to the value, and what, in your opinion, would be the most advantageous arena to put him up for sale? Thankyou again, Bill

To answer your questions:

(a) It is generally accepted that the mark implies Seiya modelled it himself.
(b) Lions and tigers often have glass eyes, but not as far as I know elephants. So I think it is most unlikely it ever had seperate eyes. However I've never seen an elephant quite as big as yours so you never know!
(c) The broken tusk could be repaired relatively easily. Unrepaired the damage will probably knock a few hundred dollars off the value.
(d) as for selling it, I would definitely take it to both Sotheby's and Christies and see what they say. Given its size I think it should be quite valuable.

I also have a Japanese animal bronze with a similar seal. The bottom middle character here is repeated on the bottom right of my mark.

Is this part of the name, date or place? Can you tell me what this says?

Very many thanks!

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