三枝惣太郎 Saegusa Sotaro（1911–2006） This is a beautifully crafted ceramic monkey figurine (Saru / 申 okimono) created by the distinguished Japanese sculptor Saegusa Sotaro. The monkey is depicted in a naturalistic yet artistically refined pose, capturing the lively and endearing character of the animal with masterful sculptural sensibility. The surface shows fine ceramic craftsmanship with a carefully applied glaze, reflecting Saegusa's unique ability to blend sculptural discipline with the warmth of ceramic art. The piece is accompanied by its original wooden presentation box (tomobako) bearing the artist's signature and seal, a wooden display stand, and a biographical profile card of the artist — all of which attest to the authenticity and collectible value of this work. The monkey (saru) holds special significance in Japanese culture as a symbol of protection, good health, and warding off evil — making this work not only a fine piece of art but also a meaningful decorative object for the home. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a signed ceramic work by one of Japan's most accomplished post-war sculptors, complete with all original accessories. Size Main unit Height: 18 cm Width: 11 cm Depth: 17 cm Weight Main unit　605 g Condition The figure itself is in good condition with no chips or cracks. The wooden base and box show minor surface wear due to age-related deterioration from storage. Note: The color may vary slightly depending on the lighting. The actual color is dark brown. Artist Profile Saegusa Sotaro (三枝惣太郎, 1911–2006) was born in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture. He graduated from the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (present-day Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1935. He subsequently worked at the Nagoya Ceramic Company, where he honed his skills in ceramic modeling, before becoming a professor at Nagoya University of Arts in 1970, where he taught until his retirement. A prolific and highly decorated artist, Saegusa was selected for the prestigious Teiten (Imperial Fine Arts Exhibition) as early as 1934 while still a student, and went on to be accepted into the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) more than 20 times. He received the Chunichi Prize at the Nitten Nagoya Exhibition on multiple occasions, as well as the Governor of Tokyo Prize and the Minister of Education Encouragement Award. He was a member of the Japan Artists' Association, the Japan Sculptors' Society, and the Shin Kōzōsha, and was named Professor Emeritus of Nagoya University of Arts. Customs & Taxes: Import duties, VAT, and charges are not included in the item price and are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office before bidding. Delivery & Tracking: Shipped via DHL or FedEx with tracking. These methods are slightly more expensive to ensure accuracy and security. Customs Clearance: You must respond to any contact from customs or the carrier. If the package is returned due to non-responsiveness, the buyer will be responsible for all additional shipping costs for re-sending.