Maeda Shōun — Ancient Bronze Sage Figure — Sencha Tea Ceremony Ornament (Sold)

This piece has found its home. It is kept here as a record of what has passed through our hands.

Maeda Shōun(1879–1924)

This remarkable large-scale bronze sculpture (okimono) was created by Maeda Shōun, one of the foremost sculptor-metalworkers of the Meiji and Taisho periods.

The work depicts a wise sage (kenja) — a recurring and deeply revered subject in the tradition of sencha (steeped tea) culture, where such figures served as embodiments of learning, virtue, and refined taste.

Cast in patinated bronze with exceptional attention to detail, the figure displays the flowing robes, serene countenance, and dignified bearing characteristic of the Confucian scholar-sage ideal.

The surface has developed a rich, deep patina through natural ageing, adding to the sculptural depth and gravitas of the piece.

The base integrates seamlessly with the figure, enhancing the overall sense of weight and presence.

Objects of this type — known as sencha dōgu — were prized ornamental accessories in the sencha tea ceremony, a literati practice inspired by scholarly and philosophical ideals.

A bronze sage okimono of this size and quality would have served as a focal point in the tokonoma alcove during a refined tea gathering.

This is a substantial work, weighing approximately 5.45 kg, and is a fine example of Maeda Shōun's mastery of figurative bronze sculpture.

Size
Height: 37 cm
Width: 16.5 cm
Depth: 30 cm
Weight: 5,450 g / 5.45 kg

Condition
The bronze shows natural age-related patina and minor surface wear consistent with a vintage antique piece; overall structural condition is sound with no significant losses or damage.

Artist Profile Maeda Shōun (1879–1924) was a distinguished sculptor and bronze artist active during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Born in Meiji 12 (1879), he first studied wood carving under his father, a Buddhist sculptor, before becoming an apprentice to the celebrated master carver Takamura Kōun (1852–1934), a leading figure in the revival of traditional Japanese sculptural arts. Shōun went on to master both wood and bronze casting, producing figurative works of exceptional quality, including okimono depicting sages, deities, and figures from folklore. His works are held in private collections and have appeared at prestigious international auction houses. He died in 1924 at the age of 44, leaving behind a distinguished body of work that remains highly regarded among collectors of Meiji-period metalwork and sculpture.

NOITICE:

The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

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I appreciate your cooperation.

Sold — no longer available.