Item Description 三枝惣太郎 Saegusa Sotaro（1911-2006） This captivating pair of cast iron dog figurines represents the zodiac sign "Inu" (Dog / 戌), part of the acclaimed "Hanei" (Prosperity) series by celebrated Japanese sculptor Saegusa Sotaro. The set depicts a majestic parent dog standing proudly alongside a small seated puppy, embodying the traditional Japanese wish for flourishing descendants, safe childbirth, and family harmony. In Japanese culture, the dog has long been revered as a loyal and courageous guardian, believed to protect people from misfortune and bring blessings of fertility. The dog gives birth easily and is thus regarded as a symbol of safe delivery and abundant offspring — making this piece a cherished gift for expecting families and those wishing for prosperity across generations. The sculptures are finished in a distinctive deep green patina with contrasting dark crackle textures, a hallmark of Saegusa's Takaoka cast metalwork aesthetic. The bold, abstracted forms balance artistic refinement with warm approachability. The set comes displayed on an elegant black lacquered oval stand, with an accompanying hand-inscribed wooden name plate reading "繁栄" (Hanei / Prosperity), bearing the artist's seal. Size Large (Parent Dog): Height: 12 cm Width: 12 cm Depth: 5 cm Small (Puppy): Height: 6 cm Width: 5 cm Depth: 4 cm Weight 833 g Condition The figurines are in good used condition with no significant damage; some minor wear to the painted surface consistent with age, as visible in the photographs. Artist Profile 三枝惣太郎 Saegusa Sotaro（1911-2006）was a prominent Japanese sculptor born in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture. He graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (present-day Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1935 and went on to serve as a professor at Nagoya University of Arts. He was an active member of the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and the Shinkozo-sha, winning the Chunichi Prize at the Nitten Nagoya Exhibition and the Minister of Education Encouragement Prize, among other honors. He is widely known for his decorative metal sculptures — particularly his Takaoka cast ironwork featuring zodiac animals — which blend sculptural artistry with Japanese craft traditions. He passed away in October 2006. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.