Lot 228: Bronze works of art

By Oshima Joun (1858-1940), Taisho/Showa Period
A finely-cast figure of Gamma Sennin, conventionally modelled, standing on a removeable rocky base, clad in loose robes, holding a fruiting peach stem in one hand with the other outstretched, watching affectionately the large toad crawling over his palm, the toad of shibuichi with inlaid gilt eyes, the side of the rocky base with a chiselled seal signature Joun; the lid of the accompanying tomobako signed and sealed by the artist Ichijoken Joun with seal Joun on the reverse of the lid. 24.2cm (9½in) high. (3).

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Oshima Joun (given name, Yasutaro) was the son and pupil of his father, the cast-metal worker Oshima Takajiro. He became one of the great sculptors of the late Meiji, Taisho and early Showa periods and first exhibited in Paris in 1878. He also taught at the Tokyo Art School from 1887 until 1932 and was a member of innumerable committees and panels of judges at exhibitions and competitions.

Although vases by Oshima Joun are quite common, figural okimono pieces by him are rare.