Japanese art of the Meiji period (1868-1912) was designed for an international art market, as Japan was now open to the Western world.  Fine metalworkers, like the maker of this impressive bronze sculpture, turned from producing armor and objects for the samurai class to creating works suited to new patrons, often European or American.

The extraordinary Takenouchi no Sukune, a famous warrior-statesman, is said to have lived as long as 360 years and to have served as a counselor or minister to as many as six monarchs.  Among these was the empress Jingo Kogo, whom he accompanied on an expedition to Korea.  Upon their return, he became guardian to the empress's son, the future emperor Ojin, who ascended to the throne in the year C.E.