Japanese Bronze By Saegusa Sotaro – Dove

This refined bronze sculpture of a dove exemplifies the singular artistic language of Saegusa Sotaro 三枝惣太郎, (1911-2006), where traditional symbolism is distilled through a modern, abstract sensibility. Rather than depicting the bird in naturalistic detail, Saegusa reduces its form to a succession of fluid, continuous volumes. The elongated body, gently rising neck, and tapering tail merge into a unified silhouette that expresses stillness, balance, and a peaceful ascension.

The surface is meticulously worked; its dark, lustrous patina accentuates the harmonious transitions and subtle curvature of the sculpture. Light glides effortlessly across the bronze, revealing the artist's mastery of mass and proportion. The dove appears suspended between stillness and movement, its upward tilt suggesting serenity, hope, and spiritual elevation—qualities long associated with this motif in Japanese and universal iconography.

Born in 1911 in Aji-chō, Kida District, Kagawa Prefecture, Saegusa Sōtarō received a rigorous and exceptionally comprehensive education. Graduating from the Metal Engineering Department of the Kagawa Prefectural Technical School in 1930, he went on to study in the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. This dual training—combining the precision of engineering with a solid academic foundation in sculpture—is clearly evident in the work presented here, where structural clarity and technical mastery underpin a lofty artistic vision. Saegusa later taught at Nagoya University of the Arts, a position he held until his retirement in 1986. He was also an active member of the Japan Artists Association, the Japan Sculptors Association, and the Paintings section of the Shin Kōzō Exhibition.

Throughout his career, Saegusa created bronze works exploring a wide variety of themes and poses, faithfully reflecting traditional Japanese culture while incorporating increasingly abstract elements. His work was selected for numerous major national exhibitions, beginning in 1941 with the 8th Shin Kōzō Exhibition (Western Painting section) and the 15th Imperial Exhibition (Sculpture section), after which he was invited to participate regularly. His artistic achievements have been recognized by numerous prestigious awards, including the Chunichi Prize at the Nagoya World Fine Arts Exhibition in 1958, an award at the Nagoya World Japanese Art Exhibition in 1987, the Tokyo Governor's Prize at the 65th Shin Kōzō Exhibition (Sculpture section) for his work "Iku" in 1993, and the Minister of Education's Encouragement Award at the 71st Shin Kōzō Exhibition (Sculpture section) in 1999.

In this bronze dove, Saegusa's mature style finds eloquent expression. The work transcends mere representation, offering a contemplative object where peace, restraint, and inner harmony are conveyed through the purity of form. It convincingly demonstrates Saegusa Sōtarō's ability to unite technical mastery, abstract refinement, and profound cultural resonance within a unique and timeless sculpture.