Item Description 北村西望 Kitamura Seibo（1884–1987） This exquisite bunchin (paperweight) titled "Koshitantam" (虎視眈耽) — a classical Japanese phrase meaning "watching intently like a tiger, waiting for the moment to strike" — is a work by the legendary Japanese sculptor Kitamura Seibo. Crafted in yōgin (German silver / nickel silver), the piece depicts a powerfully rendered tiger in a moment of vivid, alert stillness, capturing both the predatory focus and the majestic dignity of the beast. The sculptural detail is remarkable at this small scale: the musculature, the fur texture, and the animal's penetrating gaze all reflect Seibo's lifelong mastery of dynamic, life-filled form. Bunchin are traditional Japanese desk objects used to hold down paper or calligraphy scrolls, and examples by celebrated sculptors are highly prized as collector's pieces at the intersection of fine art and craft. This piece comes in its original tomobako (wooden presentation box, with printed inscription). The combination of the evocative title, the choice of nickel silver — a material with a refined, cool luster — and Seibo's authorship makes this a distinguished piece for collectors of Japanese sculpture, decorative arts, or shodōgu (calligraphic implements). Size Height: 4.5 cm Width: 13.5 cm Depth: 2.5 cm Weight 480 g Condition The piece is in excellent condition with no notable scratches or blemishes; the original tomobako (wooden box) shows minor soiling to the printed inscription. Artist Profile 北村西望 Kitamura Seibo（1884–1987） Kitamura Seibo was one of the most celebrated Japanese sculptors of the 20th century, renowned for his powerfully expressive, dynamically modeled figures. Born in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1884, he graduated top of his class from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (present-day Tokyo University of the Arts) and went on to serve as a professor there from 1921 to 1944. He rose to prominence through the prestigious Bunten and Teiten (Imperial Fine Arts Exhibition) and became a member of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in 1925. His most iconic work is the monumental Nagasaki Peace Memorial Statue (1955), a 9.7-meter bronze standing in Nagasaki's Peace Park, which remains one of the most recognizable sculptures in Japan. In 1958, he was awarded the Order of Culture (Bunka Kunshō), Japan's highest cultural honor. Seibo lived and worked prolifically until his death at age 102 in 1987, leaving behind more than 500 works, many of which are housed at the Inokashira Natural Cultural Garden Sculpture Garden in Tokyo. His smaller decorative works — including bunchin, plaques, and ornamental bronzes — are eagerly collected by connoisseurs of Japanese sculpture and traditional arts. 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.