Artist: Sotaro Saegusa (1911–2006) — Sculptor, Professor Emeritus of Nagoya University of the Arts Title: "Noboriryu" (Rising Dragon) — Cast Bronze Flower Vase, with Original Signed Box This is a striking Japanese cast-bronze flower vase titled "Noboriryu" — the Rising Dragon — by the distinguished sculptor Sotaro Saegusa. Rather than a conventional vessel, it is a genuine work of sculpture: the body sweeps upward in a single soaring curve, its scaled flank rippling with cast relief, culminating in the proud, stylized head of a dragon lifting toward the sky. It is signed and comes complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako). About the Artist — Sotaro Saegusa Born on Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture in 1911, Sotaro Saegusa graduated in 1935 from the sculpture department of the Tokyo Fine Arts School — today's Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan's most prestigious art university. He was first selected for the Teiten national exhibition while still a student in 1934, and thereafter exhibited and was accepted every year at the Bunten and Nitten, Japan's foremost national art exhibitions. He served as associate professor and then professor at Nagoya University of the Arts from 1970, becoming Professor Emeritus of its Faculty of Fine Arts. His many honors include the Chunichi Prize at the Nitten Nagoya Exhibition (awarded twice) and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon (Konju Hosho), a state honor conferred by the Japanese government. He was a member of the Nitten (Nitten Kaiyu), the Japan Sculpture Society, the Japan Artists Association, and the Shinkozosha. In 2021, the Ichinomiya City Museum held a special exhibition, "Sotaro Saegusa: Sculpture and Painting," to mark the 110th anniversary of his birth, drawing on works donated by his family — a mark of the lasting public regard for his art. He is also celebrated for his bronze art castings produced in Takaoka, Japan's foremost metal-casting city. The Rising Dragon In Japanese and East Asian culture the rising dragon is among the most powerful and auspicious of all symbols. Ascending toward the heavens, it embodies strength, ambition, protection, and rising fortune, and has long been treasured as an emblem of success and prosperity. Works depicting the noboriryu are traditionally displayed to invite good fortune and to bring dignity and energy to a space. The Sculpture The modelling is boldly modern yet unmistakably Japanese, showing the confident hand of a trained sculptor. The great sweeping form is at once a dragon in flight and an elegant vessel, its opening set into the curve of the body so that the sculpture remains uninterrupted. A row of raised scales runs the length of the flank, catching the light, while the surface carries a beautiful natural bronze patina in deep verdigris greens and slate greys — the living finish that only cast bronze develops, and which will continue to deepen in character with time. Use & Appeal It functions as a flower vase (hana-ire) — a single dramatic stem set into the curve is exceptionally beautiful — and stands equally as a commanding sculpture in its own right, ideal for a tokonoma alcove, entrance hall, office, or modern interior. Its auspicious dragon subject makes it a particularly meaningful gift for a new home, a business, or a celebration. It will appeal strongly to collectors of Japanese bronze, dragon motifs, and modern sculptural art, and to anyone seeking a signed work by an academically trained, publicly exhibited Japanese sculptor. Condition In wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, scratches, or damage. A beautiful piece. Please review all photos, which form part of the description. Presentation Complete with its original signed tomobako, which documents the work and adds significantly to its collectible value. Shipping from Japan with tracking number and insurance. Fast dispatch via FedEx or DHL. Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges and are the buyer's responsibility. These are normally collected by the delivering carrier or on pickup — please do not confuse them with additional shipping charges.