Koshitantan - Sculpture Nickel Silver - Japan
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Nickel silver paperweight titled Koshitantan by Kitamura Seibo (1884–1987), Japan, measuring 13.5 cm wide, 5 cm high and 2 cm deep, weighing 480 g, with a nickel silver mark on the underside, in fair condition with patina and minor wear, not signed, and accompanied by the original tomobako and an artist biography sheet.
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Description from the seller
This paperweight titled “Koshitantan” was created by Kitamura Seibo (1884–1987), one of the most distinguished sculptors of modern Japan.
Kitamura Seibo is widely recognized as a recipient of the Order of Culture and a Living National Treasure of Japan. He is perhaps best known internationally as the creator of the Peace Statue in Nagasaki, one of Japan’s most important postwar monuments.
Throughout his long artistic career, he gained particular acclaim for his powerful and highly realistic animal sculptures, characterized by remarkable vitality and sculptural precision.
This work was distributed by The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd. to commemorate the publication of the “National Treasures” series supervised by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan.
The piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (wooden storage box) and an artist biography sheet.
The title “Koshitantan” is derived from a Japanese four-character idiom describing a tiger patiently watching and waiting for the perfect moment to act.
In this work, the tiger is depicted in a low, tense stance, capturing a moment of concentration and restrained power. The carefully modeled musculature, alert posture, and dynamic composition demonstrate Kitamura Seibo’s exceptional ability to convey movement and life through sculpture.
The paperweight is made of nickel silver and bears a “Nickel Silver” mark on the underside.
The accompanying biography sheet outlines major milestones in Kitamura Seibo’s distinguished career, including his cultural honors and artistic achievements, providing additional documentary interest for collectors.
Condition:
The metal surface shows age-related patina, minor scratches, and wear consistent with age and material.
No major damage was observed, and the work remains in good condition overall.
The tomobako shows stains and wear from long-term storage.
Artist: Kitamura Seibo (1884–1987)
Title: Koshitantan
Material: Nickel Silver
Type: Paperweight
Origin: Japan
Mark: “Nickel Silver” mark on underside
Tomobako: Included
Additional Item:
Artist Biography Sheet
A fine example of Kitamura Seibo’s celebrated animal sculpture, combining realism, strength, and expressive modeling.
The work is further enhanced by its original tomobako and accompanying artist biography sheet, making it an attractive piece for collectors of Japanese sculpture and modern Japanese art.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Earst Japan.
Based in Japan and trusted by collectors worldwide through more than 280 successful Catawiki sales, we specialize in Japanese art, antiques, traditional craftsmanship, collectible knives, and carefully selected cultural treasures.
Every item is sourced directly in Japan through our trusted local network and carefully selected for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and collector value before being offered to collectors worldwide. We evaluate authenticity, condition, provenance when available, and collector significance to provide buyers with confidence and transparency.
We believe exceptional objects are more than possessions. They carry history, artistry, tradition, and the stories of the people who created, preserved, and cherished them across generations.
From fine artworks and antique objects to handcrafted Japanese knives and cultural artifacts, we focus on pieces that represent authentic craftsmanship, cultural significance, and lasting value.
Our goal is to connect meaningful pieces of Japanese history and craftsmanship with their next custodian, ensuring that their stories continue to be appreciated for years to come.
Thank you for visiting Earst Japan. We look forward to sharing the beauty, heritage, and enduring craftsmanship of Japan with collectors around the world.
This paperweight titled “Koshitantan” was created by Kitamura Seibo (1884–1987), one of the most distinguished sculptors of modern Japan.
Kitamura Seibo is widely recognized as a recipient of the Order of Culture and a Living National Treasure of Japan. He is perhaps best known internationally as the creator of the Peace Statue in Nagasaki, one of Japan’s most important postwar monuments.
Throughout his long artistic career, he gained particular acclaim for his powerful and highly realistic animal sculptures, characterized by remarkable vitality and sculptural precision.
This work was distributed by The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd. to commemorate the publication of the “National Treasures” series supervised by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan.
The piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (wooden storage box) and an artist biography sheet.
The title “Koshitantan” is derived from a Japanese four-character idiom describing a tiger patiently watching and waiting for the perfect moment to act.
In this work, the tiger is depicted in a low, tense stance, capturing a moment of concentration and restrained power. The carefully modeled musculature, alert posture, and dynamic composition demonstrate Kitamura Seibo’s exceptional ability to convey movement and life through sculpture.
The paperweight is made of nickel silver and bears a “Nickel Silver” mark on the underside.
The accompanying biography sheet outlines major milestones in Kitamura Seibo’s distinguished career, including his cultural honors and artistic achievements, providing additional documentary interest for collectors.
Condition:
The metal surface shows age-related patina, minor scratches, and wear consistent with age and material.
No major damage was observed, and the work remains in good condition overall.
The tomobako shows stains and wear from long-term storage.
Artist: Kitamura Seibo (1884–1987)
Title: Koshitantan
Material: Nickel Silver
Type: Paperweight
Origin: Japan
Mark: “Nickel Silver” mark on underside
Tomobako: Included
Additional Item:
Artist Biography Sheet
A fine example of Kitamura Seibo’s celebrated animal sculpture, combining realism, strength, and expressive modeling.
The work is further enhanced by its original tomobako and accompanying artist biography sheet, making it an attractive piece for collectors of Japanese sculpture and modern Japanese art.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Earst Japan.
Based in Japan and trusted by collectors worldwide through more than 280 successful Catawiki sales, we specialize in Japanese art, antiques, traditional craftsmanship, collectible knives, and carefully selected cultural treasures.
Every item is sourced directly in Japan through our trusted local network and carefully selected for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and collector value before being offered to collectors worldwide. We evaluate authenticity, condition, provenance when available, and collector significance to provide buyers with confidence and transparency.
We believe exceptional objects are more than possessions. They carry history, artistry, tradition, and the stories of the people who created, preserved, and cherished them across generations.
From fine artworks and antique objects to handcrafted Japanese knives and cultural artifacts, we focus on pieces that represent authentic craftsmanship, cultural significance, and lasting value.
Our goal is to connect meaningful pieces of Japanese history and craftsmanship with their next custodian, ensuring that their stories continue to be appreciated for years to come.
Thank you for visiting Earst Japan. We look forward to sharing the beauty, heritage, and enduring craftsmanship of Japan with collectors around the world.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Japan
Style
Vintage
Material
Nickel Silver
Artist
Kitamura Seibo
Title of artwork
Koshitantan
Signature
Not signed
Condition
Fair condition
Height
5 cm
Width
13.5 cm
Depth
2 cm
Weight
480 g
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