ART DECO BRONZE OKIMONO BY KABUKI SHUMEI
Japanese, Shōwa Period
A Stalking Panther
Patinated bronze | signed to the underside of the belly | circa 1940s
Item # 303GZH04P
A sleek and machinistic bronze okimono of a Stalking Panther by Japanese sculptor Kabuki Shumei (Hideaki), it is steeped in the Art Deco taste with its minimalist lines and austere matte black patina. It is reminiscent to us of a stylized rendition of Maurice Prost's Walking Panther, but freed from the base to stalk the tables and shelves.
KABUKI SHUMEI (HIDEAKI)
After his apprenticeship in Odawara, Sōshu (Sagami Province) under Master Yoshihama Shuaki, Hideaki won an award at the 1924 exhibition at the Tokyo Foundry Association. He achieved the first prize gold medal at the Aomori Prefecture Industrial Fair in 1925, the gold medal (first prize) in 1926 at the Yokohama City Industrial Fair, first prize at the Tokyo Craft Exposition of 1929, a bronze prize in the Exhibition of Foundry Association in 1930 and further exhibited at the 1935 Trade Encouragement Association (awarded a certificate of merit) and the 1940 Bunten Celebration.
Measurements: 12 3/8" W x 4 3/4" H x 2 5/8" D
Condition Report:
Very faint wear to raised elements and edges, light line of wear near hip of one leg. Overall remaining in very fine overall condition.