Item Description This is a modernist, abstract bull figure from Japan with a beautiful green and gold finish. The animal is rendered in bold geometric planes: a faceted head with angular horns and ears, circular relief motifs on the flanks, and four tapered legs. The finish shows gold over a verdigris-green ground, giving the piece the look of an aged bronze patina. The figure stands on a glossy black rectangular base inscribed "Presented by Shueisha" (a Japanese publisher), which suggests it was made as a corporate gift. A small wooden tag at the side is titled "Hanei" (meaning "prosperity") and carries a handwritten maker's inscription with a red seal. The bull has small impressed marks on its flank. The bull is a traditional symbol of strength and good fortune, so the piece works well as a desk or shelf ornament. Artist Profile Saegusa Sotaro (1911–2006) was born in Kagawa Prefecture and graduated from the sculpture department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts). He subsequently served as a professor at Nagoya University of the Arts, retiring in 1986. He was an associate member (jun-kaiin) of the Nitten — the rank equivalent to candidate member — as well as a member of the Japan Sculptors' Society, and exhibited his work widely. His awards include the Chunichi Prize at the Nagoya Japan Art Exhibition in 1958, the Tokyo Governor's Prize at the 65th Shin Kōzō Exhibition in 1993, and the Minister of Education Encouragement Prize at the 71st Shin Kōzō Exhibition in 1999. His works are held in museum collections, and many of his large-scale monument pieces are installed in public spaces throughout Japan. His series of zodiac figurines, produced through the traditional cast-metal craft of Takaoka, has a history spanning more than fifty years. Size Height: 13 cm Width: 20 cm Depth: 5.5 cm Weight 1231 g Condition Good vintage condition with minor wear to the finish, including light rubbing of the gold and green surface at edges and high points. No major damage is visible in the photographs. Item Description A pair of zodiac rat (mouse) figurines by Saegusa Sotaro（三枝惣太郎, 1911–2006), one large and one small. Saegusa's zodiac series is known for its concise, modern forms rooted in Japanese tradition. Both pieces feature a round, egg-shaped body, a sharply pointed snout, small spherical eyes, and large disc-shaped ears. The surface is finished in a soft green with the underlying gold showing through in places, giving an uneven, antique-style patina. These are fine small-scale examples of Saegusa's work, well suited for display on a desk, shelf, or tokonoma alcove. The dimensions and weight listed below refer to the larger of the two pieces. Artist Profile Saegusa Sotaro (1911–2006) was born in Kagawa Prefecture and graduated from the sculpture department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts). He subsequently served as a professor at Nagoya University of the Arts, retiring in 1986. He was an associate member (jun-kaiin) of the Nitten — the rank equivalent to candidate member — as well as a member of the Japan Sculptors' Society, and exhibited his work widely. His awards include the Chunichi Prize at the Nagoya Japan Art Exhibition in 1958, the Tokyo Governor's Prize at the 65th Shin Kōzō Exhibition in 1993, and the Minister of Education Encouragement Prize at the 71st Shin Kōzō Exhibition in 1999. His works are held in museum collections, and many of his large-scale monument pieces are installed in public spaces throughout Japan. His series of zodiac figurines, produced through the traditional cast-metal craft of Takaoka, has a history spanning more than fifty years. Dimensions Height: 12 cm (larger piece) Width: 7 cm (larger piece) Depth: 9 cm (larger piece) Total Weight 1031 g Condition Both pieces are in generally good condition, with no significant damage to either body. There is light surface rubbing to the painted finish and small rust-coloured spots in places. The flat areas on the bases show minor scratches consistent with long-term storage. Additional Information Subject: Rat (ne/nezumi) — the first of the twelve zodiac signs. Quantity: 2 pieces, one large and one small. Material: Cast metal with green and gold painted finish. Exact alloy unconfirmed. Country of manufacture: Japan. Inscriptions: the base reads "Presented by Shueisha"; the wooden tag is titled "Hanei" with a handwritten maker's name and a red seal. Finish: green and gold patinated surface on a metal body. Included: the figure, the black display base and the wooden title tag, as shown in the photographs. The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation. Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL. Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea. The items are heavy and surface mail (3 months) will be prioritized. Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. 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