Saegusa Sotaro Bronze Rabbit, Takaoka Zodiac Okimono, Year of the Rabbit, Signed Tag, Original Box and Black Stand

THE RABBIT WITH LONG EARS FOR LUCK

Ears raised, body round and simple, a rabbit listens from its black stand. The surface is a patina of blue-green, silver and soft gold that gathers in the folds and rubs bright on the high points. Beside it, a small tag reads "彫刻家 三枝惣太郎 作" (sculptor Saegusa Sōtarō). The paper box still carries its original label, a bold brush character 卯 (U, the rabbit of the Japanese zodiac). This is a cast-metal zodiac okimono for a shelf, a desk or an alcove.

WHAT YOU GET
• 1 cast-metal rabbit sculpture (non-magnetic)
• 1 black stand
• 1 small tag: "彫刻家 三枝惣太郎 作"
• 1 original paper box with label: 卯, brush signature and red seal, and the printed words 美術鋳… (art casting)

QUICK FACTS
• Subject: rabbit (卯, the rabbit of the Japanese zodiac)
• Material: non-magnetic cast metal [bronze / brass / aluminium / zinc alloy: confirm]
• Finish: mottled blue-green, silver and gold patina

THE SCULPTOR
Saegusa Sōtarō (1911–2006) was born in Kagawa Prefecture and studied metalwork at the Kagawa Prefectural School of Crafts before graduating in sculpture from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1935. He exhibited at the Nitten from his student days, became a Nitten associate member and a member of the Japan Sculptors Association, and taught as a professor, later professor emeritus, at Nagoya University of the Arts. He received the Chūnichi Prize at the Nitten Nagoya exhibition. Other zodiac figures by Saegusa have been described as made from his original models and cast in Takaoka, Toyama's centre of copperware. We have not confirmed whether this rabbit belongs to such a series.

THE RABBIT OF THE ZODIAC
In the Japanese zodiac the rabbit is written 卯 (the character on the box); the animal itself is 兎. The rabbit is a gentle animal with many young, a symbol of a peaceful home, family prosperity and safe childbirth. Its leaping stands for progress and rising fortune, and its long ears are said to gather good luck. As a messenger of the moon it is also linked with good fortune.

THE FINISH
Japanese metalworkers colour copper alloys with many patinas, including verdigris green and silver or peacock-toned mottling. The blue-green, silver and gold of this rabbit are in that spirit. We describe the colours as we see them and cannot name the exact finishing technique.

DISPLAY NOTE
Sold as a collectible display sculpture. Please keep it out of damp, handle it with clean dry hands and avoid abrasive polish, which can remove the patina.

CONDITION AND AUTHENTICITY
Sold as a [vintage] zodiac rabbit sculpture with the tag naming Saegusa Sōtarō, [maker and foundry unconfirmed]. The tag is a separate small card, and we have not yet matched it to marks on the sculpture. Patina variation and wear on raised edges are part of its character. Please review all photos and ask any question before buying.

SHIPPING
Packed in its original box inside a sturdy outer box, with the sculpture, stand and tag wrapped separately. Ships worldwide with tracking. Duties and taxes may apply on arrival.