This is a beautiful Japanese bronze sculpture depicting the traditional Takasago couple, Okina (the Old Man) and Uba (the Old Woman), attributed to the Japanese sculptor Takamura Yasumasa (高村泰正). The pair is accompanied by a certificate featuring a photograph of the present sculptures and biographical information about Takamura Yasumasa. The certificate identifies him as a Japanese sculptor and describes his long career producing bronze statues and commemorative monuments. Takamura Yasumasa was an accomplished sculptor who worked on a number of important commemorative sculptures. Among his documented works are a bronze bust of Kotaki Kichishichirō and the bronze statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu erected in Okazaki in 1965. The present pair is executed in bronze with a warm, aged brown patina. The sculptor has given the elderly couple expressive faces and carefully modelled robes, hands, hair, and accessories. The three-dimensional treatment creates a particularly attractive presence when the figures are viewed from different angles. The Takasago Couple Takasago is one of the most famous auspicious subjects in traditional Japanese art and is closely associated with the classical Noh play Takasago. The elderly couple represents: Marital harmony and lifelong devotion Longevity Family happiness Good fortune A long and peaceful life For centuries, Takasago figures have been displayed at weddings, anniversaries, New Year celebrations, and other auspicious occasions. The subject therefore carries a meaning that goes far beyond simple decoration: the wish that a couple may remain together in harmony throughout a long and happy life. Okina and Uba The old man, Okina, carries a traditional kumade, or rake. The rake is traditionally associated with gathering good fortune, happiness, blessings, and prosperity. The old woman, Uba, carries a hōki, or broom. The broom symbolizes sweeping away misfortune, impurities, and negative influences. Together, the rake and broom form a charming symbolic pair: gathering blessings while sweeping away misfortune. Artistic Features Traditional Japanese Takasago subject Pair of Okina and Uba Bronze sculpture Attributed to Takamura Yasumasa (高村泰正) Warm aged brown patina Expressive and finely modelled faces Detailed treatment of traditional robes Traditional rake and broom attributes Strong three-dimensional sculptural presence Certificate with photograph and artist biography included The sculpture is particularly attractive for the contrast between the dignified, simplified forms of the robes and the carefully rendered facial expressions and accessories. The aged bronze surface has developed a warm and varied patina over time, giving the figures a sense of depth and character. Minor surface marks and signs of age are present and should be regarded as part of the sculpture's aged appearance. Certificate and Storage Box A certificate is included with the sculpture. It contains a photograph of the present pair and biographical information concerning Takamura Yasumasa, including his career as a sculptor and several of his major works. A wooden storage box is also included as an extra. However, the inscription on the box bears a different artist's name and therefore the box should not be regarded as the original box of this sculpture. About Takamura Yasumasa Takamura Yasumasa (高村泰正) was a Japanese sculptor whose career included the production of bronze statues, portrait sculptures, and commemorative monuments. According to the accompanying certificate, he was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1908 and later studied sculpture in Tokyo. The certificate states that his works were acquired by the Imperial Household and the Ministry of the Imperial Household, and that he subsequently devoted himself primarily to bronze statues and commemorative sculptures. His documented public works include the bronze statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Okazaki, erected in 1965, as well as a bronze bust of Kotaki Kichishichirō. This background gives the present work additional interest for collectors of Japanese modern sculpture and bronze art. A Symbolic Japanese Work of Art Takasago remains one of the most beloved auspicious motifs in Japan. The peaceful elderly couple represents the ideal of growing old together in harmony, while the rake and broom add the beautiful symbolism of gathering happiness and removing misfortune. Combined with the sculptural quality of the bronze and the accompanying certificate documenting the artist, this pair makes an appealing addition to a collection of Japanese sculpture, bronze art, traditional Japanese culture, or auspicious decorative objects. The sculptures would also make an elegant display in a Japanese-style interior, traditional room, entrance hall, gallery, or collection of Japanese art. A particularly appealing feature of this work is the combination of an established Japanese sculptor, an auspicious and universally understandable subject, and the accompanying certificate showing the present pair itself. For collectors of Japanese bronze sculpture, the documented connection to Takamura Yasumasa gives this charming Takasago couple an additional layer of historical and collectible interest. Old man High: 26.4 cm Width: 15.0 cm Depth: 9.5 cm Weight: 2300 g Old woman High: 24.6 cm Width: 13.5 cm Depth: 8.2 cm Weight: 1900 g Condition: There is no noticeable damage. There is some aging such as dirt, scratches, peeling, rubbing, and dullness. The box is not the original box. The artist is different. Also, the box is very fragile and may be damaged during shipping. Please consider it as a free gift. It was stored at home. There are also many photos, so please take a look. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase. Shipping: The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan. We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding. 031521290831