A SOFT-METAL-INLAID MODEL OF A ROOSTER ON A DRUM

This may be the work by Hagiya Katsuhira II (Suzuki Tetsusuke; 1859-1941), one of the grandsons of a prominent maker of sword fittings of the Mito school, Hagiya Katsuhira (1804-1886). Although little is known about the artist, this work shows the skillful technique of using various types of colorful soft metals characteristic of metal artists of Mito school.
The subject of a cockerel on a drum harks back to a period of peace in ancient China when it is said the drums of war had fallen silent allowing cockerels to roost upon them. The humor in it lies in that the quiet drum still had the potential to sound even as the apparently peaceful human race at the time were ever able to take up arms over a quarrel. But the cockerel would sound aloud every morning to announce that he was ready for the day and to establish his predominance over his rivals. It is as if the drum was quietly tolerating the rashness of the crowing.