Koun Takamura Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Koun Takamura Art Value Price Guide

Dec. 17, 2024
TAKAMURA KOUN: A FINE BRONZE FIGURE OF PRINCE SHOTOKU
Est: €500 - €1,000
TAKAMURA KOUN: A FINE BRONZE FIGURE OF PRINCE SHOTOKU By Takamura Koun (1852-1934), sealed Takamura Koun Japan, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926) Finely cast as Prince Shotoku dressed in monastic robes, holding a handled censer decorated with two shishi, the hair parted down the middle and tied on both sides with a bow, the reverse with the artist’s seal TAKAMURA KOUN. HEIGHT 21.2 cm WEIGHT 1,182 g Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few small nicks, light surface scratches, and minor casting irregularities. A key figure in the development of Japanese sculpture in the later Meiji, Taisho and early Showa eras, Takamura Koun started his career as a specialist carver of Buddhist images and came to international attention in 1877 when he showed a sandalwood figure of the White-robed Kannon at the first Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai (Domestic Industrial Exhibition). The figure was purchased by a Yokohama merchant for a high price and from that time on Koun increasingly produced work in a style designed to suit changing tastes in Japan and overseas, participating in foreign expositions and receiving many important official commissions. His most famous works are public statues of Kusunoki Masashige, outside the Imperial Palace, and of Saigo Takamori, at the entrance to Ueno Park. In October 1890 he became one of the first two sculptors to be appointed Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household). For a more detailed assessment of Koun's well documented career, see Christine M. E. Guth, 'Takamura Koun and Takamura Kotaro: On Being a Sculptor', in Melinda Takeuchi ed., The Artist as Professional in Japan, Stanford, 2004, pp.152-179. Prince Shotoku (574–622), nephew of Empress Suiko (554–628), served as her regent and adviser on matters of civil administration. Reputed to be a great Buddhist scholar and influential statesman, he sent an official diplomatic delegation to China and, in 592, compiled the Seventeen Article Constitution, Japan’s earliest code of conduct for the ruling class. Sources indicate that the Imperial family initiated the veneration of Shotoku. At first deified as a Shinto kami, by the medieval period the prince came to be seen as a manifestation of a Buddhist deity. Here, he is portrayed as a paragon of filial piety, holding a handled censer and praying for the recovery of his father, Emperor Yomei, from illness. Auction comparison: Compare a related bronze figure of Laozi by the same artist, dated early 20th century, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 March 2014, New York, lot 545 (sold for USD 3,250).
Galerie Zacke
Dec. 06, 2024
TAKAMURA KOUN: AN IMPRESSIVE OKIMONO OF TWO ROCK CRYSTAL SPHERES ON A FINE BRONZE WAVE-FORM STAND
Est: €2,000 - €4,000
TAKAMURA KOUN: AN IMPRESSIVE OKIMONO OF TWO ROCK CRYSTAL SPHERES ON A FINE BRONZE WAVE-FORM STAND By Takamura Koun (1852-1934), signed Koun Japan, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926) The two crystals are carved and polished into perfect spheres and balanced on a bronze stand intricately cast as crashing waves neatly incised and well-detailed with meticulously modeled cresting foam. Signed to the underside within a rectangular reserve KOUN. LENGTH 21.5 cm (the stand), DIAMETER 9 cm and 5.2 cm (the spheres) WEIGHT 2,083 g (total) Condition: Very good condition with surface wear and casting irregularities. The rock crystal spheres with natural imperfections. A key figure in the development of Japanese sculpture in the later Meiji, Taisho and early Showa eras, Takamura Koun started his career as a specialist carver of Buddhist images and came to international attention in 1877 when he showed a sandalwood figure of the White-robed Kannon at the first Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai (Domestic Industrial Exhibition). The figure was purchased by a Yokohama merchant for a high price and from that time on Koun increasingly produced work in a style designed to suit changing tastes in Japan and overseas, participating in foreign expositions and receiving many important official commissions. His most famous works are public statues of Kusunoki Masashige, outside the Imperial Palace, and of Saigo Takamori, at the entrance to Ueno Park. In October 1890 he became one of the first two sculptors to be appointed Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household). For a more detailed assessment of Koun's well-documented career, see Christine M. E. Guth, 'Takamura Koun and Takamura Kotaro: On Being a Sculptor', in Melinda Takeuchi ed., The Artist as Professional in Japan, Stanford, 2004, pp.152-179. The present spheres were made entirely by hand in a laborious process. The final hand polishing, using finely powdered iron oxide, gave these spheres a luster rarely achieved using modern gem-polishing machinery. Rock crystal symbolizes purity and perfection, while the sphere represents completeness and the infinity of space. Museum comparison: Compare a related silver stand in the form of crashing waves, accompanied by the third largest crystal sphere in the world, diameter 25.4 cm, formerly in the collection of the Dowager Empress Cixi, in the collection of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, accession number C681A. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related rock crystal sphere on a Japanese metalwork stand, signed Eiryusai saku, at Christie’s, 20 September 2013, New York, lot 1772 (sold for USD 23,750).
Galerie Zacke
Sep. 03, 2024
TAKAMURA KOUN: A FINE BRONZE FIGURE OF PRINCE SHOTOKU
Est: €600 - €1,200
TAKAMURA KOUN: A FINE BRONZE FIGURE OF PRINCE SHOTOKU By Takamura Koun (1852-1934), sealed Takamura Koun Japan, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926) Finely cast as Prince Shotoku dressed in monastic robes, holding a handled censer decorated with two shishi, the hair parted down the middle and tied on both sides with a bow, the reverse with the artist’s seal TAKAMURA KOUN. HEIGHT 21.2 cm WEIGHT 1,182 g Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few small nicks, light surface scratches, and minor casting irregularities. A key figure in the development of Japanese sculpture in the later Meiji, Taisho and early Showa eras, Takamura Koun started his career as a specialist carver of Buddhist images and came to international attention in 1877 when he showed a sandalwood figure of the White-robed Kannon at the first Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai (Domestic Industrial Exhibition). The figure was purchased by a Yokohama merchant for a high price and from that time on Koun increasingly produced work in a style designed to suit changing tastes in Japan and overseas, participating in foreign expositions and receiving many important official commissions. His most famous works are public statues of Kusunoki Masashige, outside the Imperial Palace, and of Saigo Takamori, at the entrance to Ueno Park. In October 1890 he became one of the first two sculptors to be appointed Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household). For a more detailed assessment of Koun's well documented career, see Christine M. E. Guth, 'Takamura Koun and Takamura Kotaro: On Being a Sculptor', in Melinda Takeuchi ed., The Artist as Professional in Japan, Stanford, 2004, pp.152-179. Prince Shotoku (574–622), nephew of Empress Suiko (554–628), served as her regent and adviser on matters of civil administration. Reputed to be a great Buddhist scholar and influential statesman, he sent an official diplomatic delegation to China and, in 592, compiled the Seventeen Article Constitution, Japan’s earliest code of conduct for the ruling class. Sources indicate that the Imperial family initiated the veneration of Shotoku. At first deified as a Shinto kami, by the medieval period the prince came to be seen as a manifestation of a Buddhist deity. Here, he is portrayed as a paragon of filial piety, holding a handled censer and praying for the recovery of his father, Emperor Yomei, from illness. Auction comparison: Compare a related bronze figure of Laozi by the same artist, dated early 20th century, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 March 2014, New York, lot 545 (sold for USD 3,250).
Galerie Zacke
Aug. 31, 2024
WOOD CARVING OF KANNON
Est: ¥4,000,000 - ¥6,000,000
marked on the bottom "髙邨光雲刀"
New Art Est-Ouest Auctions
Jun. 20, 2024
A FINE 19TH CENTURY JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD BRONZE FIGURE OF A GODDESS Takamura Koun (1852-1934), modelled holding a floral vine. 38 cm high.
Est: £80 - £120
A FINE 19TH CENTURY JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD BRONZE FIGURE OF A GODDESS Takamura Koun (1852-1934), modelled holding a floral vine. 38 cm high.
Hannam's Auctioneers
Jun. 14, 2024
TAKAMURA KOUN: A FINE BRONZE FIGURE OF PRINCE SHOTOKU
Est: €800 - €1,500
TAKAMURA KOUN: A FINE BRONZE FIGURE OF PRINCE SHOTOKU By Takamura Koun (1852-1934), sealed Takamura Koun Japan, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926) Finely cast as Prince Shotoku dressed in monastic robes, holding a handled censer decorated with two shishi, the hair parted down the middle and tied on both sides with a bow, the reverse with the artist’s seal TAKAMURA KOUN. HEIGHT 21.2 cm WEIGHT 1,182 g Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few small nicks, light surface scratches, and minor casting irregularities. A key figure in the development of Japanese sculpture in the later Meiji, Taisho and early Showa eras, Takamura Koun started his career as a specialist carver of Buddhist images and came to international attention in 1877 when he showed a sandalwood figure of the White-robed Kannon at the first Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai (Domestic Industrial Exhibition). The figure was purchased by a Yokohama merchant for a high price and from that time on Koun increasingly produced work in a style designed to suit changing tastes in Japan and overseas, participating in foreign expositions and receiving many important official commissions. His most famous works are public statues of Kusunoki Masashige, outside the Imperial Palace, and of Saigo Takamori, at the entrance to Ueno Park. In October 1890 he became one of the first two sculptors to be appointed Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household). For a more detailed assessment of Koun's well documented career, see Christine M. E. Guth, 'Takamura Koun and Takamura Kotaro: On Being a Sculptor', in Melinda Takeuchi ed., The Artist as Professional in Japan, Stanford, 2004, pp.152-179. Prince Shotoku (574–622), nephew of Empress Suiko (554–628), served as her regent and adviser on matters of civil administration. Reputed to be a great Buddhist scholar and influential statesman, he sent an official diplomatic delegation to China and, in 592, compiled the Seventeen Article Constitution, Japan’s earliest code of conduct for the ruling class. Sources indicate that the Imperial family initiated the veneration of Shotoku. At first deified as a Shinto kami, by the medieval period the prince came to be seen as a manifestation of a Buddhist deity. Here, he is portrayed as a paragon of filial piety, holding a handled censer and praying for the recovery of his father, Emperor Yomei, from illness. Auction comparison: Compare a related bronze figure of Laozi by the same artist, dated early 20th century, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 March 2014, New York, lot 545 (sold for USD 3,250).
Galerie Zacke
Mar. 12, 2024
Important 19th C. Silver Model Figure of Kannon by Takamura Koun (1852-1934)
Est: $4,000 - $12,000
DESCRIPTION: 19th Century silver figure of Kannon by Takamura Koun (1852-1934). Features Kannon standing on an octagonal and stepped base with inverted lotus petal, his hair piled into a tall topknot, wearing scarf-like draped grab, his left hand lowered to welcome the believer into Amida's paradise, his right hand holding the stem of a lotus bud. Signed with Takamura Koun seal at underside. Notes: (One of Japanâs most celebrated sculptors and a professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts.) Provenance: (Collection of Alfred Byrd Graf) CIRCA: 19th Century ORIGIN: Japan DIMENSIONS: H: 8.25" x Dia: 3" (Total Weight: 896 Grams) CONDITION: Wear consistent with age. Unless otherwise stated, all information provided is the opinion of our specialists. Should you have any specific questions regarding the condition of this lot, please use the ask question button or send us an email.
Akiba Galleries
Dec. 01, 2023
A 20TH CENTURY JAPANESE GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF DARUMA AFTER KOUN TAKAMURA (1852-1934). Cast
Est: £80 - £120
A 20TH CENTURY JAPANESE GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF DARUMA AFTER KOUN TAKAMURA (1852-1934). Cast standing in windswept robes on rock work base, with seal mark to reverse, 27.5cm high
Ma San Auction
May. 18, 2023
TAKAMURA KOUN (1852-1934) A Bronze Okimono (Table Ornament) Group of Sugawara no Michizane Seated on a Recumbent Ox Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926) or Showa (1926-1989) era, early 20th century (2)
Est: £1,500 - £1,800
TAKAMURA KOUN (1852-1934) A Bronze Okimono (Table Ornament) Group of Sugawara no Michizane Seated on a Recumbent Ox Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926) or Showa (1926-1989) era, early 20th century The minister and calligrapher typically modelled attired in the costume of a Chinese official and seated serenely on the back of a recumbent ox, holding a brush in one hand and paper in the other, affixed to an oval bronze stand, signed with a seal Takamura Koun on the reverse of the oval stand; with a wood storage box titled outside the lid Ko-Sugako (A young Sugawara Michizane), inside the lid with an inscription by one of his sons, Takamura Toyochika (1890-1974), ascribing this work to Koun, signed Takamura Toyochika shi with a seal. 21cm x 27.5cm (8¼in x 10¾in). (2).
Bonhams
Apr. 20, 2023
TAKAMURA KOUN JAPANESE BRONZE MONKEY
Est: $400 - $600
Takamura Koun (Japanese 1852-1934), patinated bronze seated monkey, bearing the signature 'Takamura Koun' in gold inlay underneath. Approximate dimensions: h. 5. 25", w. 7", d. 5".
Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Jun. 23, 2016
Large, nicely detailed bronze reclining cow. A “hollow cast” created by the
Est: €1,800 - €2,200
Large, nicely detailed bronze reclining cow. A “hollow cast” created by the well known bronze artist Takamura K?un (1852 1934). Bottom mark: K?un. Weight: 27,4 kg. H. : 33 cm; l. : 78 cm. Grande pièce en bronze figurant une vache allongée. Le « moulage creux » est une création du célèbre artisan bronzier Takamura K?un (1852 1934). Marque au dessous : K?un.
Boisgirard-Antonini
Jan. 17, 2016
Japanese Bronze Monkey, Takamura Koun
Est: $300 - $500
Japanese bronze monkey, bearing the signature 'Takamura Koun' (Japanese, 1852-1934): approx. 5"h x 7"w
Clars Auctions
Dec. 05, 2015
A bronze figure of Kannon Bosatsu by Takamura Kôun (1852-1834). Early 20th century
Est: €500 - €700
A bronze figure of Kannon Bosatsu by Takamura Kôun (1852-1834), seated in royal ease on a rock and holding a scroll, gilding to the collier on the chest and the hair ornament. Seal mark Takamura Kôun at the back. Early 20th century.
Kunsthaus Lempertz KG
Aug. 09, 2015
Group of 2 Asian Sculptures of Riders on Animals
Est: $300 - $500
Asian, 20th century. A group of two figural sculptures of men riding on animals comprising of one of cast bronze after Koun Takamura (Japanese, 1852- 1934), "Samurai Kusunoki Masashige", inscribed to base, after the original life size sculpture in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, naturalistic figural sculpture depicting the legendary samurai on horseback in full armor, the horse with front left leg bent at knee and tail parallel to ground as the rider pulls back on the reigns, the sculpture to a rectangular stepped plinth; and one porcelain sculpture depicting an acrobatic Chinese warrior riding atop a bull, the sculpture decorated in brightly colored enamels, impressed calligraphic mark to back of horse's shoulder, the sculpture to a rectangular wooden plinth. Bronze approximately 14.625" tall, 15.375" wide, 6.75" deep. Porcelain approximately 13.75" tall, 13.215" wide, 5.5" deep. Provenance: From the Estate of Sam & Florence Inman, Atlanta, Georgia.
Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Nov. 09, 2006
f - A BRONZE MODEL OF SHOTOKU TAISHI, AFTER A MOULD BY TAKAMURA KOUN (1852-1934)
Est: £2,500 - £3,000
17.5cm., 6 7/8 in., high Shotoku Taishi (574-622), the supposed founder of Buddhism, regent and politican of the imperial court of Japan is conventionally modelled, seated, wearing ceremonial robes, an eboshi and carrying a sceptre, a wood box inscribed Shotoku Taishi za zo, the reverse of the cover signed and dated by Koun's grandson, with impressed signature of Takamura Koun and seal of the sculptor Tanenari (?) Quantity: 3 NOTE This lot is accompanied by a certificate from Takamura Koun's grandson, signed and dated Heisei 14, hachi gatsu kichijitsu (on an auspicious day in August, in the year 2001), authenticating that the figure was cast from the original mould made by Takamura Koun.
Sotheby's
Jul. 14, 2006
f - A SILVER MODEL OF KANNON BY TAKAMURA KOUN (1852-1934)
Est: £6,000 - £8,000
21cm., 8 1/4 in. standing on an octagonal base, his hair piled into a tall topknot and scarf-like cloths drape his body and one arm, his left hand lowered to welcome the believer into Amida's paradise, his right hand holding the delicate stem of a lotus bud, signed with seal Takamura Koun with tomobako inscribed Sei Kanzeon Bosatsu and the interior of the cover signed Teishitsu gigeiin ju sanmi (a craftsman to the Imperial Household, ranked third), Takamura Koun kore zo with two seals Quantity: 2 NOTE Takamura Koun was celebrated in his lifetime as a great revivalist of Buddhist arts in the Meiji period. Apprenticed to the traditional-style Buddhist sculptor Takamura Toun, he trained in the revered methods of religious art and iconography. He won prestigious awards at international exhibitions and created works for the new Imperial Palace. Koun was honoured as a member of the Imperial Art Academy and as a professor of the Tokyo Art School.
Sotheby's
Jun. 09, 2004
f - AN INLAID AND ARTICULATED IVORY FIGURE OF AN ACROBAT, BY TAKAMURA KOUN, TOKYO, 1852-1934
Est: £1,500 - £1,800
his legs articulated at the waist, he wears a loose short coat and baggy trousers, a tsuzumi slung around his neck, the ivory is variously coloured and with inlaid dress designs, signed on a red lacquer tablet Koun
Sotheby's