Item Description Saegusa Sotaro (1911–2006) A striking, boldly stylized bronze-toned sculpture of a coiling dragon (one of the twelve animals of the Chinese/Japanese zodiac), created as part of the celebrated "Han-ei" (繁栄 / "Prosperity") zodiac series by the Nitten-affiliated sculptor Saegusa Sotaro, produced through the traditional Takaoka copperware casting workshops of Toyama Prefecture. Rather than a literal depiction, the dragon is rendered as an elegant, minimalist "C"-shaped form — a single sweeping arc that reads simultaneously as a coiled dragon and a leaping carp, referencing the East Asian legend of the koi that transforms into a dragon upon ascending a waterfall (a symbol of perseverance and success). The horned head with flared "fins" faces one open end of the arc, while the tapered tail sweeps around toward the other. The surface carries a hand-textured scale pattern, finished in cool silvery-grey with mottled gold pigment highlights, giving the piece a weathered, antique bronze character. The sculpture stands on a small integrated foot and is presented on a black lacquered display base. A refined, sculptural piece of 20th-century Japanese metal craft — equally at home as a display object for collectors of Takaoka doki, zodiac art, or Japanese modernist sculpture. Size Height: 12 cm Width: 14 cm Depth: 3.5 cm Weight 247 g / 0.247 kg Condition The sculpture presents in good vintage condition with an attractive, intentionally weathered silver-and-gold patina finish, showing no visible chips, cracks, or losses to the cast metal body, though minor surface wear consistent with age and handling may be present. Artist Profile Saegusa Sotaro (1911–2006) was a Japanese sculptor born in Kagawa Prefecture. He graduated from the sculpture department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1935, and went on to teach at Yokkaichi Technical School before becoming a professor at Nagoya University of the Arts. He exhibited regularly with the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and the Shinkozosha exhibition society, receiving the Chunichi Prize at the Nitten Nagoya exhibition, and later held the rank of Nitten associate member. Saegusa is particularly well known for his long-running "Han-ei" (繁栄) zodiac animal series produced through the Takaoka copperware tradition, in which he reimagined the twelve zodiac animals as bold, semi-abstract cast forms — of which this dragon is a fine example. 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.