Japanese Bronze By Masahiko Katori: Rearing Horse

Masahiko Katori (香取正彦), (1899-1988), was born in Koishikawa-ku, Tokyo. His father, Hozuma, was also a renowned sculptor.

From 1916 to 1920, he studied Western painting at the Pacific Painting Association Research Institute. In 1920, he entered the Tokyo Art School (now Tokyo University of the Arts), in the mold-making department, where he received his training from the head professor, Tsuda Eiju. He graduated in 1925, and that same year, he exhibited "Arabesque Strawberry Flower Container" at the Paris International Exposition of Decorative Arts and Crafts (Art Deco Expo), winning a bronze medal. In 1928, he was selected for the first time for the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts Exhibition (now the Japan Art Exhibition), and he participated for three consecutive years. In 1953, he won the Japan Academy of Fine Arts Prize at the Japanese Art Exhibition.

Building on these numerous awards and achievements, he was named a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuho) in 1977 (Showa 52). In 1988 (Showa 63), he was elected a member of the Japan Academy of Fine Arts (the year of his death).

This early work dates from between 1920 and 1930.