Craft and Design gallery

Possibly supports for a candlestick, bronze, about 1880-1900
These bronze ornaments, originally gilt all over, are in the form of cranes standing on the back of a sea-turtle. In traditional Japanese art, cranes are the symbol of long life. They are also thought to bring good luck which explains why they were often depicted on the walls of temples and houses.
Given, 1972. Donor unknown