The first we have seen mint and boxed.

This enigmatic Japanese tiger- a master work solidly caste in hand painted iron reminds us of the ancient importance of the zodiac animals.

Designed by the Japanese legend mid 20th century designer Sotaro Saegusa , it possesses a wonderful original old greenish blue patina, is signed on its inner back left leg, and is accompanied by its original collector signed box and display signage.

This was sourced from a large Japanese collection this past year.

Dimension: Large 3 inches high and 6.5 inches wide

The Tiger (虎) is the third of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.

Signed by Japan’s award winning sculptor Sotaro Saegusa

With finely cast head and tail and details; with an attractive original patina and signed inner back leg, Sotaro Saegusa- one of Japan’s award winning sculptors.

This is the only example of this iconic sized form we have seen from this artist thus far, having had the pleasure of handling many of this artists’ fine creations.

About the artist:
Sotaro Saegusa (1911-2006) was born in Aji-cho, Kida-gun, Kagawa Prefecture

A graduate of the Metallic Engineering Department of Kagawa Prefectural Technical School in 1930 and the Sculpture School of Tokyo School of Fine Arts, Saegusa. Later he worked as a professor at the Nagoya University of Arts until he retired in 1986. Saegusa is a member of the Japan Artists ‘Association, Japan Sculptors’ Association and Shin Kozo Exhibition Paintings Division. Saegusa’ enthusiasm for the arts continues after his retirement. His bronze works display a variety of themes and postures, reflecting traditional Japanese culture with injection of abstract elements.
His works are highly revered for their artistic beauty. After his retirement, Saegusa focused on sculptures of animals including lunar animals.

Saegusa has won a number of prestigious awards. In 1941, his works were selected for the 8th Shin Kozo Exhibition Western Painting Division and the 15th Imperial Exhibition Sculpture Division and he has been invited to take part in the exhibition every year since. He was presented the Chunichi Award in the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition at Nagoya in 1958, at an award in the Nagoya Japanese Art Exhibition in 1987, the Tokyo Governor’s Award in the 65th Shin Kozo Exhibition Sculpture Division for his work “Iku” in 1993, and the Minister of Education Encouragement Award, the 71st Shin Kozo Exhibition Sculpture Division for Still Life in 1999.

Only one available.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Our gallery based in Newport, Rhode Island USA has been dealing in authentic Pre-Columbian, Japanese and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels across America as well as Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.