NEYA CHUROKU: HEIWA (PEACE)

拍品描述

NEYA CHUROKU: HEIWA (PEACE) By Neya Churoku (1897–1987), sealed Churoku and Inu Japan, Showa period (1926–1989) Superbly cast, the globular body gently tapering toward the base, with broad rounded shoulders applied with three handles modelled as stylized crouching monkeys, rising to a short tapered neck with a wide circular mouth. The bronze surface finely finished and decorated in relief with three alternating lobed panels, each depicting a harmonious scene of figures engaged in music and dance. One panel shows a dancing female figure, while the others depict musicians playing the harp and flute, accompanied by birds and small monkeys perched among flowering trees, seemingly captivated by the performances. The boldly simplified forms of the figures, particularly the expressive monkey handles and stylized musicians, reflect the artist’s modern interpretation of traditional Japanese bronze casting. The underside stamped with the artist’s seals CHUROKU and INU. HEIGHT 27.8 cm (excluding stand), 32.7 cm (including stand) WIDTH 33.5 cm WEIGHT 7,520 g With a fitted hardwood stand and a signed and inscribed wood tomobako (storage box). Neya Churoku (1897–1987) was a distinguished Japanese metal artist, born in Osaka and trained at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts under the eminent bronze caster Tsuda Shinobu (1875–1946). He first exhibited at the 9th Teiten in 1928 and subsequently participated regularly in major state-sponsored exhibitions, receiving two Grand Prizes (Tokusen) during the early part of his career. His international reputation was further enhanced by his participation in the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. From 1936 onward, he exhibited at the Bunten and continued to be recognized as one of the important modern Japanese bronze artists. His works are held in significant public collections, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Imperial Household Agency Collection in Tokyo, and the Museum of the Tokyo University of Fine Arts. Auction comparison: For another work by the artist see a white bronze (hakudo) flower vase, decorated with flying fish against waves, Showa period, mid-20th century, 34.5 cm high, at Christie’s, The Japanese Aesthetic, London, 7 November 2012, lot 144 (sold for GBP 3,000 or approx. EUR 5,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).

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