Japanese Figure Depicting Rooster

A swaggering cockerel with a tail like a spray of bright blades.

This cast iron rooster figure is from Japan, and dates to the mid 20th century. Iron is cast by pouring molten metal into sand or clay molds, and the finished surface darkens and develops a patina with age. A seated bird with a serrated comb, round eye and open beak, its tail rising in long, pointed feathers. Angular grooves mark the chest and wings. The surface is flecked silvery-white over dark brown, with worn, rough patches. It is 2 inches wide, 5 deep and 4.5 high.

All plumage, no modesty, perfectly proportioned for crowing.