Item Description A nickel silver paperweight in the form of a stalking tiger, titled "Koshi Tantan" (虎視眈々) and made by 北村西望 Kitamura Seibo (1884-1987). The title is a Japanese idiom for watching vigilantly, like a tiger eyeing its prey. The tiger is cast low and tense, with its head lowered and its tail trailing behind, so the whole body reads as coiled energy. Muscle and fur are modelled in vigorous, textured relief. The long rectangular base has a row of round studs along its front edge, and the top surface is textured. The base carries an incised signature 西望 (Seibo), and the underside is stamped with the Japanese characters for nickel silver. In Japanese culture the tiger stands for strength, vigilance and good fortune. The piece is compact but has real weight, so it works as a desk paperweight and as a decorative object. It would suit collectors of Japanese sculpture, animal subjects and desk objects. Artist Profile Kitamura Seibo (16 December 1884 - 4 March 1987) was born in Minamiarima, Nagasaki. He studied sculpture at the Kyoto City University of Arts from 1903 to 1907 and then at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts from 1907 to 1912, graduating from both with highest honours. He became a professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1921 and was inducted into the Japan Art Academy in 1925. He is best known for the 13-metre Peace Statue in Nagasaki Peace Park, unveiled in 1955. In 1958 he received the Order of Culture and was designated a Person of Cultural Merit. He later served as chairman, and then honorary chairman, of the Nitten exhibitions. His output also included animal and zodiac-themed sculptures. Inokashira Natural Cultural Garden in Tokyo holds more than 500 works donated by the artist. He died in Musashino, Tokyo, at the age of 102. Size Height: 4.8 cm Width: 14 cm Depth: 2.9 cm Weight 490 g Condition Minor surface wear and patina consistent with age, with light scratches and discolouration visible on the underside. There is no major damage. Additional Information Material: Nickel silver (German silver), cast Type: Paperweight / desk ornament Subject: Tiger Marks: Incised signature 西望 (Seibo) on the base; nickel silver stamp on the underside Origin: Japan