Item Description 三枝惣太郎 Saegusa Sotaro（1911-2006） A rare and charming pair of tiger figurines (Oyako-tora Okimono) crafted by renowned Japanese sculptor Saegusa Sotaro, a prominent figure in the Japanese fine art casting world and a graduate of the Tokyo University of the Arts (formerly Tokyo Bijutsu Gakko). This set features a mother tiger and her cub rendered in metal casting (bijutsu chuugei), a medium in which Saegusa excelled throughout his distinguished career. The figures display a beautifully expressive, semi-abstract form characteristic of Saegusa's sculptural style — boldly simplified yet full of life and movement. The surface is finished in a striking matte polychrome treatment combining deep red, warm gold, and soft white, evoking the bold stripes of a tiger in an artistic, painterly manner. Incised line work across the body adds textural depth and visual energy. The tail of each figure is elongated and rounded at the tip, adding a playful dynamism to the composition. In Japanese tradition, the tiger (tora) is a powerful symbol of good fortune, courage, and protection — making this parent-and-child pair (oyako) an especially auspicious engimono (lucky charm) representing family bonds and prosperity. The set comes with the original artist's signed label card bearing the red seal of Saegusa Sotaro, along with a detailed artist biography document. A distinguished collector's piece from one of Japan's most celebrated postwar sculptors. Size Mother Tiger (Oya-tora): Height: 10.5 cm Width: 15.0 cm Depth: 4.5 cm Cub Tiger (Ko-tora): Height: 5.0 cm Width: 6.0 cm Depth: 2.5 cm Weight 808 g (total, both pieces) Condition Both figurines are in good used condition with light age-related surface wear consistent with their vintage; no chips, cracks, or missing parts noted. Artist Profile 三枝惣太郎 Saegusa Sotaro (1911–2006) was a celebrated Japanese sculptor born in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture. He graduated from the Tokyo Bijutsu Gakko (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in the sculpture department in 1935. A long-standing participant in the prestigious Nitten (Japan Art Exhibition), he was selected from his student years and continued to exhibit annually. He also served as a professor and later professor emeritus at Nagoya University of Arts. Saegusa was a member of the Japan Artists Association and the Shinkozo-sha, and received the Chūnichi Prize at the Nitten Nagoya Exhibition on multiple occasions. His works, particularly his fine art metal castings (bijutsu chuugei), are held in private and institutional collections throughout Japan. After retirement, he focused extensively on animal sculpture, including the twelve zodiac animals, for which he is especially well known. 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.