Bronze Okimono of a leopard by Osuke TSUJI

A cast bronze leopard caught mid-stretch, its body drawn out into one long, low line. The forelegs reach far ahead, the hindquarters rise in a gentle arch, and the head lifts with jaws open, as in a yawn or a warning. The modelling leaves out all anatomical detail except where it carries the form: the ears, the curled paws, the ridge of the shoulder. The tail runs down close beside the haunch, leaving an open sliver of space, then sweeps out along the ground. A warm golden patina, brushed and mottled with darker tones, follows the movement of the body.