A fine pair of Japanese hand cast gilt bronze Mandarin Duck screen holders with detailed plumage, Taisho period 1920.

These are called byobu-hasami or byobu-osae, and were important in the infamous summer months when the sliding doors of a home would have been removed, and screens were used to divide the spaces allowing breezes inside the home.

Each of these two sculptures are in remarkably very fine condition with much of the original gilt “splash” patina present- just the way we like to discover them. Today these older works of art still serve as wonderful collectible objects and as beautifully conceived decorative accents only the Japanese artisans can create.

They are strongly symbolic of human fidelity as Mandarin ducks mate for life and in Feng Shui, some practitioners say having mandarin duck figurines in your home is bound to enhance your love life.

Dimensions: 3 inches high and 4 inches long

Handmade, hand cast, hand gilded. Only one pair.

Provenance: Old Japanese Ameriocan collection.

History of Mandarin Duck:

The mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) is a perching duck species found in East Asia. It is closely related to the North American wood duck, the only other member of the genus Aix. In the world of Asian medicine, mandarin ducks are symbolic of relationship healing purposes and recognized as symbols of long-lasting relationships. They mate for life and remain committed to one mate the rest of their lives.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. Our gallery has been dealing in authentic Japanese, Chinese, and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.