118 - KOYO MINAO ISHIKAWA (1869–1946) – Walking Lion in Bronze with Brown Patina – Hanoi, 1922

KOYO MINAO ISHIKAWA (1869–1946) – Walking Lion in Bronze with Brown Patina – Hanoi, 1922 Description: A significant bronze animal sculpture with a brown patina depicting a walking lion, its head raised and mouth open, revealing its fangs. The animal is distinguished by an imposing, finely chiseled mane, powerful musculature, and a long, curved tail. The naturalistic treatment and the quality of the modeling demonstrate a fine mastery of animal sculpture. The work rests on a rectangular bronze pedestal, set upon a molded wooden base. Signed on the base, located in Hanoi, and dated 1922. Koyo Minao Ishikawa, a Japanese artist based in French Indochina, was particularly active in Hanoi, where he taught bronze casting and sculpting techniques. A lion sculpture by the same artist, of nearly identical dimensions, is documented in the catalog for the Lynda Trouvé auction on March 8 and 9, 2021. Condition: Appears to be in good overall condition, with a beautiful antique brown patina. Slight signs of wear on the wooden pedestal Dimensions: Sculpture: H. 25 × W. 34 × D. 11 cm – Base: H. 7 × W. 40 × D. 18 cm.