Item Description This ceramic dog figurine, an Inu (Year of the Dog) zodiac piece by 三枝惣太郎 Saegusa Sotaro (1911-2006), is finished in a deep blue glaze. The dog stands upright in a dignified pose. The blue glaze gives it an elegant, refined look, quite different from the cast-metal zodiac pieces more commonly seen. The figurine is substantial in size, measuring 23 cm wide, 20 cm high and 9 cm deep, and weighs 729 g. It has a strong sculptural presence on a shelf or in a display cabinet. It comes with its original wooden presentation box (tomobako), which adds to its display value and supports its authenticity. Saegusa's zodiac figurines have been produced for more than 50 years and are collected in Japan and abroad. This piece will appeal to collectors of Japanese decorative arts, traditional craft and East Asian zodiac objects. Artist Profile Saegusa Sotaro (1911-2006) was born on Shodo-shima Island, Kagawa Prefecture. He graduated from the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1935. He later taught ceramics at Yokkaichi Municipal Industrial School in Mie Prefecture, and he was a professor at the Nagoya University of Arts until his retirement in 1986. He exhibited at the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and the Shin Kozo Exhibition. His honours include the Chunichi Award at the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition in Nagoya (1958), the Tokyo Governor's Award at the 65th Shin Kozo Exhibition (1993) and the Minister of Education Encouragement Award at the 71st Shin Kozo Exhibition (1999). His works are held by museums, and many large-scale monumental pieces are installed in public spaces across Japan. His zodiac series, made in metal, stone and ceramic, reflects his belief that art should enrich the lives of as many people as possible. Size Height: 20 cm Width: 23 cm Depth: 9 cm Weight 729 g Condition Minor surface scratches are present. There are no cracks or chips. The original wooden box is included. Additional Information Artist: Saegusa Sotaro, Japan (1911-2006) Subject: Dog (Inu), Zodiac / Year of the Dog Material: Glazed ceramic with deep blue glaze Accessories: Original wooden presentation box (tomobako)