Large bronze statue of Saigo Takamori's Perspective on the Modern Age 現代を見詰める西郷隆盛 - Bronze - Tadao Koga 古賀忠雄 - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

This is a large bronze statue of Saigo Takamori created by Koga Tadao.
The title is "Saigo Takamori Gazing at the Modern Age."
It measures approximately 56cm and weighs around 12.5kg.
It makes quite an impact, with a dignified and intelligent expression.

Saigo Takamori was a Japanese samurai, politician, and military leader who played a crucial role during the late Edo period and the early Meiji era. He is widely recognized as one of the "Three Great Figures of the Meiji Restoration," alongside Kido Takayoshi and Okubo Toshimichi. Saigo is remembered for his significant contributions to Japan's modernization and for his dramatic, idealistic approach to life.

Basic Information
Born: January 23, 1828 (Bunsei 10), Satsuma Province (present-day Kagoshima Prefecture)
Died: September 24, 1877 (Meiji 10), Shiroyama, Kagoshima
Original Name: Saigo Kichinosuke (later renamed Takamori)
Achievements and Roles
1. Early Life in Satsuma Domain
Born into a low-ranking samurai family, Saigo rose to prominence under the support of Shimazu Nariakira, the daimyo of Satsuma. He assisted Nariakira in his progressive reforms and contributed to the domain’s financial recovery and foreign policy strategies.

2. Anti-Shogunate Movement
During the tumultuous final years of the Tokugawa shogunate, Saigo was instrumental in forming the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, which became a cornerstone of the movement to overthrow the shogunate. This effort ultimately led to the establishment of a new government.

3. Role in the Meiji Government
As a key figure in the Meiji government, Saigo helped implement policies to modernize Japan. However, in 1873, disagreements over the Seikanron Debate (a proposal to invade Korea) led to his resignation and return to Kagoshima.

The Satsuma Rebellion and His End
In 1877, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, the final civil war in Japan. The conflict was fueled by dissatisfaction among former samurai and opposition to the rapid changes introduced by the Meiji government. Despite his leadership, the rebellion was suppressed by the modernized government forces, and Saigo ended his life in a dramatic suicide at Shiroyama in Kagoshima.

Character and Legacy
Saigo was known for his integrity and devotion to the samurai code of honor. He was a symbol of traditional values, and his actions earned him immense respect and loyalty from both peers and subordinates. His legendary image has been immortalized in literature, art, and popular culture. Notably, he is often depicted with his beloved dog in statues, symbolizing his approachable and noble character.

Tadao Koga 古賀忠雄 was a Japanese sculptor active in the first half of the 20th century. He was one of the leading figures in the world of sculpture in the Showa era, and while his work is based on realism, it also has the characteristics of a Japanese sensibility and poetic sentiment. He is particularly known for his sculptures of human figures and animals, and his excellent technique and artistry are highly regarded both in Japan and overseas.

Height: 56.0 cm
Width: 20.0 cm
Depth: 19.2 cm
Weight: 12.5 kg

Condition:
The condition is good. There is no major damage. There may be minor scratches, stains, or scuffs. This is a delicate item, so please handle with care. We have posted many photos, so please take a look.

Atention:
The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.

Shipping:
The item will be carefully packed and shipped from Japan.
The item is heavy, so it will be shipped by international parcel shipping. It usually takes about a month or two month to deliver.
It may take a little longer depending on your erea.
Please understand this before bidding.
The package will be shipped with a tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, VAT and other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.

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