29 - † KOYOSAI SHOBEI: A SUPERB AND RARE BRONZE OKIMONO OF A RECUMBENT CAT

† KOYOSAI SHOBEI: A SUPERB AND RARE BRONZE OKIMONO OF A RECUMBENT CAT By Koyosai Shobei, signed Koyosai Shobei chu Japan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Superbly and naturalistically cast, the cat depicted in a recumbent position with its hindquarters tucked beneath its rounded body and its forepaws extended forward, the head slightly lowered and turned to one side. Despite its seemingly relaxed posture, the animal appears intensely alert, its ears pricked and its keen, almond-shaped eyes fixed intently on something beyond its reach, as though poised to spring into action at any moment. The broad, muscular body is masterfully modeled with subtly undulating contours and a richly textured surface, the fur rendered in vigorous, freely worked strokes, particularly around the cheeks, neck, chest, and forelegs, contrasting with the smoother, softly rounded back and haunches. The finely articulated paws, delicately modeled muzzle, and remarkably expressive eyes further enhance the lifelike character of this exceptionally accomplished animal study. The bronze displays a rich, dark-brown patina with attractive highlights to the raised areas. Signed underneath KOYOSAI SHOBEI chu [cast by Koyosai Shobei]. LENGTH 30 cm (excl. stand), 35 cm (incl. stand) WEIGHT 6.3 kg (excl. stand) Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, mostly to the underside from contact with the surface, and inherent casting irregularities. The stand with a few nicks and light scratches. With a carved wood presentation stand. Koyosai Shobei was a Japanese bronze artist active during the Meiji period, particularly known for his finely cast animal sculptures. Surviving works include bronzes of bears and macaques as well as larger decorative vessels, several bearing signatures identifying him as the caster. Bronze studies of domestic cats are comparatively rare among Meiji-period animal okimono, making the present work particularly noteworthy. Its exceptional quality lies in the artist's vigorous, almost impressionistic treatment of the fur and anatomy, combined with a remarkably sensitive observation of feline behavior. The subtle tension between the animal's resting posture and its intensely watchful expression captures the distinctive character of the cat with extraordinary immediacy. Auction comparison: Compare a related bronze okimono of a macaque by the same artist, similarly signed Koyosai Shobei chu, dated late 19th to early 20th century, 24.2 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2017, London, lot 380 (sold for GBP 3,500 or approx. EUR 5,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.