This charming and unusual Japanese bronze smoking set is designed around the figure of a young girl holding a small puppy in her arms. The girl is depicted wearing a traditional Japanese kimono, with a distinctive short bobbed hairstyle. She sits naturally while gently holding the puppy against her body. The sculptor has captured the simple and intimate character of the scene, giving the figure a warm and human quality. At the girl's feet is a large ashtray formed in the shape of a small wooden tub or basin. In the centre is a raised element designed to hold a cigarette, making the ashtray both functional and sculptural. Beside the girl is a separate cylindrical container, designed in a form reminiscent of a traditional Japanese well. This appears to have been intended as a tobacco or cigarette container, creating a complete smoking set together with the ashtray. The combination of the three elements – the girl with her puppy, the ashtray and the well-like tobacco container – is particularly distinctive. Rather than simply adding decorative ornament to a functional object, the artist incorporated the practical smoking accessories directly into the composition of the sculpture. The work is signed “四郎作”, indicating “made by Shiro”. The signature corresponds with the Japanese sculptor Nakano Shiro (中野四郎, 1901–1968). Nakano studied sculpture at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and exhibited at major Japanese official exhibitions including the Teiten and Bunten. He later became a leading member and representative of the Sōkeikai sculpture group. Museum collections include several of his bronze works from the 1950s, demonstrating his interest in realistic figurative sculpture. Although the exact production date of this smoking set is not known, it is considered a Showa-period work, likely from the mid-20th century, and was produced during the period in which Nakano Shiro was active. The dark brown surface has developed an attractive aged appearance, with variations in tone that emphasize the modelling of the figures and the sculptural details. The object has a substantial weight and presence despite its relatively compact size. This is a particularly interesting example of Japanese decorative sculpture in which everyday smoking equipment has been transformed into an imaginative figurative composition. What makes this piece particularly appealing is its unusual combination of sculpture and everyday function. The charming figure of the kimono-clad girl gently holding her puppy is combined with a functional ashtray and a distinctive well-shaped tobacco container, creating a playful and highly individual composition. For collectors of Japanese sculpture, vintage smoking accessories and unusual mid-20th-century Japanese design, this is a characterful piece that is both decorative and functional, with the added interest of being signed by the sculptor Shiro Nakano. Height 15.8 cm Width 16.8 cm Depth 11.6 cm Weight 2080 g Condition: The condition is good. There is no major damage. There may be some damages such as scratches, scuffs, dullness, peeling, fading, wear and tear, dents, discoloration. It has been stored at home.We have posted many photos, so please take a look. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase. Shipping: The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan. We will use either EMS, DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. Shipping costs have surged due to the global situation. Therefore, we generally use EMS to keep shipping fees as low as possible. We ask for your understanding in this matter. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding. 091222450917: