20th-Century Japanese Bronze Sculpture of a Guardian Warrior in Armor Intricate Armor Details - Height: 400 mm - Width: 210 mm- 4100 g - (1)

02
days
13
hours
58
minutes
38
seconds
Current bid
€ 300
Reserve price not met
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 1,900 - € 2,100
PT
€300
PT
€280
PT
€260

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20th‑century Japanese bronze sculpture of a guardian warrior in armor, with dimensions 400 mm high, 210 mm wide and 160 mm deep, weighing 4100 g, provenance Japan, and with both hands missing.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Japanese Tradition - Bronze Statue – Asian Warrior in Ceremonial Attire | 20th Century — This lot features a large and evocative bronze sculpture of Japanese origin, dating to the 20th century. The work depicts a dynamic warrior figure, presumably a guardian of the iconographic tradition, captured in a moment of tension and movement. The statue rests on an integrated base and stands out for its impressive dimensions and the dramatic power it conveys. At 40 cm in height, the sculpture is characterized by a dark, opaque patina that gives the surface a dense, almost lithic appearance, accentuating the plastically defined volumes. The figure is posed with splayed legs and a torsioned torso, a stance that instills a strong sense of dynamism. The warrior’s armor is rendered with meticulous attention to detail: plates, fabrics and decorative elements are finely carved, with relief motifs that hint at mythological creature designs and floral motifs, testimony to a high level of craftsmanship. A closer look reveals the expressive intensity of the face, with furrowed brows and a focused, proud gaze, framed by a traditional headpiece. The entire surface bears the marks of time, contributing to the work’s lived character. It is important to note, as clearly visible in the photographs, the absence of both hands. This feature, due to either an original artistic choice or a later event, characterizes its current state and becomes an integral part of its history. The style of the work evokes the powerful esthetic of Japanese statuary, particularly guardian figures (such as the Niō) often placed at the entrances of Buddhist temples to ward off malevolent spirits. The combination of realistic anatomy and a strongly stylized armor places this sculpture within a rich artistic tradition. Produced in the Twentieth Century, it represents a continuation or reinterpretation of classical themes, adapted to a modern sensibility while preserving the expressive force of ancient models. Despite its condition, especially the missing hands, this bronze retains notable aesthetic and decorative charm. Its imposing presence makes it a focal point in any setting, ideal for a refined interior, a professional study, or a gallery. For a collector of Asian art or for a modern Wunderkammer, this statue represents a highly interesting object that tells a story not only through its subject but also through the traces time has left on it. Technical details Name: Guardian Warrior Statue Material: Bronze Origin: Japan Era: 20th century (1900-2000) Dimensions: 400 mm x 210 mm x 160 mm Weight: 4100 g Condition: Vintage. Signs of time and uneven patina. Note the absence of both hands, as clearly visible in the photo.

Seller's Story

The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements. Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past". All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google Translate

Japanese Tradition - Bronze Statue – Asian Warrior in Ceremonial Attire | 20th Century — This lot features a large and evocative bronze sculpture of Japanese origin, dating to the 20th century. The work depicts a dynamic warrior figure, presumably a guardian of the iconographic tradition, captured in a moment of tension and movement. The statue rests on an integrated base and stands out for its impressive dimensions and the dramatic power it conveys. At 40 cm in height, the sculpture is characterized by a dark, opaque patina that gives the surface a dense, almost lithic appearance, accentuating the plastically defined volumes. The figure is posed with splayed legs and a torsioned torso, a stance that instills a strong sense of dynamism. The warrior’s armor is rendered with meticulous attention to detail: plates, fabrics and decorative elements are finely carved, with relief motifs that hint at mythological creature designs and floral motifs, testimony to a high level of craftsmanship. A closer look reveals the expressive intensity of the face, with furrowed brows and a focused, proud gaze, framed by a traditional headpiece. The entire surface bears the marks of time, contributing to the work’s lived character. It is important to note, as clearly visible in the photographs, the absence of both hands. This feature, due to either an original artistic choice or a later event, characterizes its current state and becomes an integral part of its history. The style of the work evokes the powerful esthetic of Japanese statuary, particularly guardian figures (such as the Niō) often placed at the entrances of Buddhist temples to ward off malevolent spirits. The combination of realistic anatomy and a strongly stylized armor places this sculpture within a rich artistic tradition. Produced in the Twentieth Century, it represents a continuation or reinterpretation of classical themes, adapted to a modern sensibility while preserving the expressive force of ancient models. Despite its condition, especially the missing hands, this bronze retains notable aesthetic and decorative charm. Its imposing presence makes it a focal point in any setting, ideal for a refined interior, a professional study, or a gallery. For a collector of Asian art or for a modern Wunderkammer, this statue represents a highly interesting object that tells a story not only through its subject but also through the traces time has left on it. Technical details Name: Guardian Warrior Statue Material: Bronze Origin: Japan Era: 20th century (1900-2000) Dimensions: 400 mm x 210 mm x 160 mm Weight: 4100 g Condition: Vintage. Signs of time and uneven patina. Note the absence of both hands, as clearly visible in the photo.

Seller's Story

The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements. Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past". All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Number of objects
1
Main mineral
20th-Century Japanese Bronze Sculpture of a Guardian Warrior in Armor
Mineral form
Intricate Armor Details
Supplement
Japanese Bronze Warrior Sculpture
Weight
4100 g
Country of origin
Japan
Height
400 mm
Width
210 mm
Depth
160 mm
ItalyVerified
14269
Objects sold
98.36%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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