About the Works Artist: Shinya Nakamura 中村晋也 (b.1926) Title of work: Mother and Foal Horse Statue — "Love of the Earth" This evocative bronze sculpture titled "Love of the Earth" is the work of acclaimed Japanese sculptor Shinya Nakamura. It beautifully depicts the touching bond between a mare and her foal, standing side by side in a dynamic, emotional pose. The expressive forms and textured surfaces convey the powerful energy and tenderness of the natural world, themes that often appear in Nakamura’s work. The piece is mounted on a red granite base with a nameplate bearing the title and artist's name in Japanese. It comes in its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and includes the artist's biography leaflet in Japanese. Additionally, as shown in the photo, there is a crack in part of the tomobako. While we take the utmost care when packing items, please understand that damage may worsen due to shaking or impact during transit. Main unit size Width: 31 cm Depth: 13 cm Height: 22 cm Weight: 4200 g Base size Width: 30 cm Depth: 16 cm Height: 2 cm Weight: 2450 g About the Artist Shinya Nakamura (中村晋也) is a renowned Japanese sculptor born in 1926 in Mie Prefecture. He graduated from Tokyo Higher Normal School (now Tsukuba University) in 1949 and later became a professor at Kagoshima University. Nakamura's work deeply reflects his lifelong contemplation on themes such as the nature of God, humanity, and Buddha. He studied twice in France under the sculptor Apel Fenosa from 1966 to 1970. Nakamura has won numerous prestigious awards, including the Japan Art Academy Prize in 1988 and the Cultural Medal in 2007. His works range from spiritual motifs like spirits and fairies to historical figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, embodying a blend of tenderness and strength. He has contributed significant public monuments, such as Buddhist disciple statues for Yakushiji Temple in Nara and the "Young Satsuma Group" statue at Kagoshima Central Station. Nakamura founded the Shinya Nakamura Museum in Kagoshima in 1996, which houses around 1,000 of his works. His art is celebrated globally, with pieces like "Miserere III" displayed at the Vatican Museums. Throughout his over 75 years of artistic activity, Nakamura continues to create expressive sculptures, blending historical, spiritual, and humanistic themes. His dedication earned him honorary citizenships in Kameyama and Kagoshima cities and honorary titles from universities like Tsukuba and Sojo. Nakamura's sculptures evoke prayers, consolation, and the human spirit, shaped by his experiences of war and disasters. His work appeals internationally for its emotional depth and broad stylistic range, reflecting kindness and vigor. He remains an influential figure in Japanese sculpture, with a distinguished career both as an artist and educator, honored for his cultural contributions. Appearance Please see photos for details. Shipping Information Items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. Please note that we are unable to under-declare the value of an item or mark it as a gift for shipping purposes. Obligations of the importer Import duties, taxes and fees are not included in the bid price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be before bidding or purchasing. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.