Japanese Iron Cat Paperweight Sculpture 7Inch Animal Sculpture Calligraphy Tool AR40
This is a charming iron cat sculpture and paperweight by renowned Japanese sculptor Yoshi Kinouchi (木内克). Combining artistic expression with practical function, the piece serves as both a substantial paperweight and an elegant sculptural object.
The cat is depicted in a relaxed reclining posture, capturing the quiet confidence and independent spirit for which felines are admired. The simplified yet expressive form demonstrates Kinouchi's ability to convey character through minimal lines and balanced proportions. Its calm presence makes it an appealing decorative object even when not used as a paperweight.
Cast in iron and weighing approximately 1.58 kg, the piece possesses a reassuring solidity and excellent functionality as a desk accessory, calligraphy paperweight, or display sculpture. The dark metal surface further enhances the sculpture's refined and timeless appearance.
Yoshi Kinouchi was one of the important figures in modern Japanese sculpture. After studying in Europe, he traveled from London to Paris, where he became a pupil of the celebrated French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, one of the leading successors of Auguste Rodin. During his time abroad, Kinouchi also developed a strong interest in archaic sculpture and mastered terracotta techniques that would influence his later artistic style.
Upon returning to Japan, he exhibited widely and became active in major Japanese art exhibitions. Following World War II, he continued to gain recognition through numerous exhibitions and was awarded the Konju Hosho (Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon) in recognition of his contributions.
Accompanied by its original signed wooden box, this work represents an appealing example of Japanese modern sculpture and is particularly desirable for collectors of cat-themed art, twentieth-century Japanese sculpture, and artist-designed desk objects.
Artist Information
Yoshi Kinouchi (木内克, 1892–1977) was a prominent Japanese sculptor from Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. He studied in Europe and trained under the distinguished French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle in Paris. Deeply influenced by both European modern sculpture and archaic artistic traditions, Kinouchi became particularly known for his sculptural works in terracotta and bronze.
Throughout his career, he exhibited extensively in Japan and earned recognition as one of the important sculptors of modern Japanese art. Today, his works are held in museum collections and remain highly regarded among collectors of twentieth-century Japanese sculpture.
Size
Cat Sculpture
Height: 4.8 cm / 1.89 inches
Width: 18.5 cm / 7.28 inches
Depth: 5 cm / 1.97 inches
Weight: 1584 g / 3.49 lbs
Wooden Box
Height: 7 cm / 2.76 inches
Length: 20.5 cm / 8.07 inches
Width: 8 cm / 3.15 inches
Total Weight: 1697 g / 3.74 lbs
Condition
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