Pair Of Hares - Bronze 1930-30 By Natsume Sadayoshi (1895-1944?) #574

Bronze with dark brown/red patina. Some micro oxidation - signed.--- Son of a famous ivory carver Natsume Otosaku. From a wealthy family, formerly samurai in the Edo period who served the Tayasu clan. The grandfather (who belonged to the elite Shogutai corps) was killed at the Battle of Ueno (1868 - victory of the imperial troops). He lived in the artists' village "Avila" located in Shimo-Ochiai (a suburb of Tokyo), with his brother Natsume Toshimasa, a Western-style painter and architect. Natsume Sadayoshi's modernist architecture studio still exists. He lived there, with his brother's blended family, away from other artists. Indeed, following an unauthorized remarriage of his brother Toshimasa, with the wife of another painter, they were frowned upon. His sculpture exhibitions are documented from 1923 to 1942. He exhibited every year at the Bunten and Teiten, and then at the Shinbunten (Official Salons). He was an associate member. His works did not require a jury to be exhibited; they were admitted by right. This presupposes esteem from all Salon directors. Being an associate member at the Imperial Exhibitions was an envied status; it was a position that could guarantee a future title of "master." The available photographs show nudes, busts, in a completely Western Art Deco style. We know that he produced a number of animal figurines (cows, pheasants, rabbits, etc.) intended to be displayed in alcoves, shelves, and on side tables in modern Western-style interiors. Our hares are related to this production. From 1937 onwards, he devoted himself mainly to military sculptures, the nudes giving way to official portraits, subjects exalting the nation. His trace is lost from 1942. With its original presentation box. 18 x 22 x 14 cm. A certificate, an illustrated biography on the artist, a note on 20th century Japanese sculpture, will be given to the buyer.