Japanese Figure Depicting Rooster

A crested bird turns its head, with a tail like a splintered crystal.

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 stocky bird composed of angular facets, its head turned to the side with a small beak and a ruffled comb. The tail rises in tall, sharp planes. The color is silvery and pitted over dark brown, with sooty recesses. It is 2 inches wide, 3 deep and 4.5 high.

Cubist posture, with a barnyard attitude underneath.