Laura - Sculpture Bronze - Japan
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a bronze portrait head titled "Laura" (ローラ), signed and created by the Japanese sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi (舟越保武 Funakoshi Yasutake, 1912–2002). The sculpture depicts a stylised, serene female head with closed-off eyes and smooth, simplified planes, characteristic of Funakoshi's modernist portrait busts from the mid-twentieth century.
The bronze head is mounted on a rectangular white marble base, secured from the underside with a visible brass bolt. A small brass nameplate reading "Y. FUNAKOSHI" is affixed to the front of the marble base. A cast seal/monogram is visible on the reverse of the neck, consistent with the artist's practice of marking his bronze editions.
Funakoshi was one of the leading Japanese sculptors of the post-war era, celebrated for both his bronze portrait work and his marble figurative sculpture rooted in his Catholic faith. His works are held in major public collections, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and his named female bronze busts such as this one appear periodically on the international art market.
The piece has been visually inspected only; no restoration or cleaning has been carried out. It is offered as a current, as-found piece from a Japanese estate/dealer source in Itabashi, Tokyo.
Condition
The bronze surface shows an even, dark brown patina consistent with age, with only minor light surface marks visible under close inspection. The marble base shows light general wear and a small area of surface soiling near one edge, as visible in the photographs. No cracks, losses, or repairs were noted on visual inspection; please review all images closely as the piece is sold as found.
Additional Information
Artist: Yasutake Funakoshi (舟越保武, 1912–2002), Japanese sculptor and painter, professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and Tama Art University, recipient of the Takamura Kōtarō Prize and the Order of St. Gregory the Great, named a Person of Cultural Merit in Japan in 1999.
Title: "Laura" (ローラ)
Materials: Cast bronze head on a marble base
Signature/marks: Cast monogram/seal on the reverse of the neck; brass nameplate "Y. FUNAKOSHI" on the marble base
Origin: Offered from a private Japanese collection/dealer stock, Itabashi, Tokyo
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.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This is a bronze portrait head titled "Laura" (ローラ), signed and created by the Japanese sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi (舟越保武 Funakoshi Yasutake, 1912–2002). The sculpture depicts a stylised, serene female head with closed-off eyes and smooth, simplified planes, characteristic of Funakoshi's modernist portrait busts from the mid-twentieth century.
The bronze head is mounted on a rectangular white marble base, secured from the underside with a visible brass bolt. A small brass nameplate reading "Y. FUNAKOSHI" is affixed to the front of the marble base. A cast seal/monogram is visible on the reverse of the neck, consistent with the artist's practice of marking his bronze editions.
Funakoshi was one of the leading Japanese sculptors of the post-war era, celebrated for both his bronze portrait work and his marble figurative sculpture rooted in his Catholic faith. His works are held in major public collections, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and his named female bronze busts such as this one appear periodically on the international art market.
The piece has been visually inspected only; no restoration or cleaning has been carried out. It is offered as a current, as-found piece from a Japanese estate/dealer source in Itabashi, Tokyo.
Condition
The bronze surface shows an even, dark brown patina consistent with age, with only minor light surface marks visible under close inspection. The marble base shows light general wear and a small area of surface soiling near one edge, as visible in the photographs. No cracks, losses, or repairs were noted on visual inspection; please review all images closely as the piece is sold as found.
Additional Information
Artist: Yasutake Funakoshi (舟越保武, 1912–2002), Japanese sculptor and painter, professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and Tama Art University, recipient of the Takamura Kōtarō Prize and the Order of St. Gregory the Great, named a Person of Cultural Merit in Japan in 1999.
Title: "Laura" (ローラ)
Materials: Cast bronze head on a marble base
Signature/marks: Cast monogram/seal on the reverse of the neck; brass nameplate "Y. FUNAKOSHI" on the marble base
Origin: Offered from a private Japanese collection/dealer stock, Itabashi, Tokyo
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.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Japan
Style
Modern
Material
Bronze
Artist
Yasutake Funakoshi
Title of artwork
Laura
Signature
Signed
Colour
Brown
Condition
Good condition
Height
32 cm
Width
15 cm
Depth
18 cm
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