Mukai Ryokichi (1918-2010) - Butterfly
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Bronze sculpture titled Butterfly by Japanese artist Mukai Ryokichi (1985), with a warm golden patina, measuring 13.5 cm high, 10 cm wide, and 12.5 cm deep (325 g), signed with the artist's seal on the underside of the base and presented as a freestanding piece.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This work is a bronze sculpture titled *Butterfly*, created in 1985 by Japanese sculptor Mukai Ryokichi (1918–2010). It features boldly torn, wing-like abstract forms rising from slender branches, composed atop a rounded bronze base. The surface is finished with a warm golden patina, and the artist's seal (raised relief stamp) can be clearly confirmed on the underside of the base.
Although a small desktop-sized piece, this work effectively demonstrates the qualities of organic, voluminous abstract sculpture that Mukai pursued. It is integrated with its base and can be displayed as a freestanding work.
Artist Profile
Mukai Ryokichi (1918–2010) is considered one of the leading sculptors of postwar Japanese sculpture, active in the fields of abstract and outdoor sculpture, and served as Professor Emeritus at Musashino Art University. Born in Kyoto in 1918, he studied at the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts before graduating from the sculpture department of Tokyo Fine Arts School (present-day Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1941. He became a member of the Kodo Bijutsu Kyokai (Action Art Association) in 1951, and received the Kotaro Takamura Prize and the Excellence Award at the Japan International Art Exhibition in 1961, followed by the Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts in 1981, and the Nakahara Teijiro Prize in 1984. He is known for his representative series *Ants' Castle*, and has participated in the 31st Venice Biennale in 1962, as well as the São Paulo Biennale and the Ube Biennale. His works are held in the collection of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Dimensions
Height: 13.5 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 12.5 cm
Weight
325 g
Condition
In generally good condition consistent with age; the artist's seal (raised relief stamp) on the underside of the base can be clearly confirmed. We have carried out visual inspection only and have not performed any restoration or other work. Please also refer to the photographs included in the listing, which form part of the item description, for details on the surface condition.
Additional Information
Material: Bronze, golden patina finish
Title: Butterfly
Year: 1985
Signature: Artist's seal on the underside of the base
Authenticity: We guarantee this work to be genuine and by Mukai Ryokichi
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 work is a bronze sculpture titled *Butterfly*, created in 1985 by Japanese sculptor Mukai Ryokichi (1918–2010). It features boldly torn, wing-like abstract forms rising from slender branches, composed atop a rounded bronze base. The surface is finished with a warm golden patina, and the artist's seal (raised relief stamp) can be clearly confirmed on the underside of the base.
Although a small desktop-sized piece, this work effectively demonstrates the qualities of organic, voluminous abstract sculpture that Mukai pursued. It is integrated with its base and can be displayed as a freestanding work.
Artist Profile
Mukai Ryokichi (1918–2010) is considered one of the leading sculptors of postwar Japanese sculpture, active in the fields of abstract and outdoor sculpture, and served as Professor Emeritus at Musashino Art University. Born in Kyoto in 1918, he studied at the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts before graduating from the sculpture department of Tokyo Fine Arts School (present-day Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1941. He became a member of the Kodo Bijutsu Kyokai (Action Art Association) in 1951, and received the Kotaro Takamura Prize and the Excellence Award at the Japan International Art Exhibition in 1961, followed by the Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts in 1981, and the Nakahara Teijiro Prize in 1984. He is known for his representative series *Ants' Castle*, and has participated in the 31st Venice Biennale in 1962, as well as the São Paulo Biennale and the Ube Biennale. His works are held in the collection of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Dimensions
Height: 13.5 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 12.5 cm
Weight
325 g
Condition
In generally good condition consistent with age; the artist's seal (raised relief stamp) on the underside of the base can be clearly confirmed. We have carried out visual inspection only and have not performed any restoration or other work. Please also refer to the photographs included in the listing, which form part of the item description, for details on the surface condition.
Additional Information
Material: Bronze, golden patina finish
Title: Butterfly
Year: 1985
Signature: Artist's seal on the underside of the base
Authenticity: We guarantee this work to be genuine and by Mukai Ryokichi
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
Material
Bronze
Artist
Mukai Ryokichi (1918-2010)
Title of artwork
Butterfly
Signature
Signed
Year
1985
Colour
Gold
Condition
Good condition
Height
13.5 cm
Width
10 cm
Depth
12.5 cm
Weight
325 g
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