Edo Figure Depicting Bird on Plant, Based

A bird on a plant. Not what you expect from the Benin brass tradition, and that is the pleasure of it.

Casting in brass and bronze has a long history in Benin City, where guilds of casters worked in the lost-wax method. This Edo piece was made in the 20th century. A narrow stalk, its surface covered in close rows of raised dots like a seed head, curves upward from the stand. A slender crested bird clings to its side, the feathers marked with fine incised lines.

The golden-brown surface is worn smooth at the high points. About four inches tall, on a slim rod and black base.

Small composition. Large patience.