Item Description This is a bronze portrait head titled "Laura" (ローラ), signed and created by the Japanese sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi (舟越保武 Funakoshi Yasutake, 1912–2002). The sculpture depicts a stylised, serene female head with closed-off eyes and smooth, simplified planes, characteristic of Funakoshi's modernist portrait busts from the mid-twentieth century. The bronze head is mounted on a rectangular white marble base, secured from the underside with a visible brass bolt. A small brass nameplate reading "Y. FUNAKOSHI" is affixed to the front of the marble base. A cast seal/monogram is visible on the reverse of the neck, consistent with the artist's practice of marking his bronze editions. Funakoshi was one of the leading Japanese sculptors of the post-war era, celebrated for both his bronze portrait work and his marble figurative sculpture rooted in his Catholic faith. His works are held in major public collections, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and his named female bronze busts such as this one appear periodically on the international art market. The piece has been visually inspected only; no restoration or cleaning has been carried out. It is offered as a current, as-found piece from a Japanese estate/dealer source in Itabashi, Tokyo. Condition The bronze surface shows an even, dark brown patina consistent with age, with only minor light surface marks visible under close inspection. The marble base shows light general wear and a small area of surface soiling near one edge, as visible in the photographs. No cracks, losses, or repairs were noted on visual inspection; please review all images closely as the piece is sold as found. Additional Information Artist: Yasutake Funakoshi (舟越保武, 1912–2002), Japanese sculptor and painter, professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and Tama Art University, recipient of the Takamura Kōtarō Prize and the Order of St. Gregory the Great, named a Person of Cultural Merit in Japan in 1999. Title: "Laura" (ローラ) Materials: Cast bronze head on a marble base Signature/marks: Cast monogram/seal on the reverse of the neck; brass nameplate "Y. FUNAKOSHI" on the marble base Origin: Offered from a private Japanese collection/dealer stock, Itabashi, Tokyo 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.