{"product_id":"large-japanese-bronze-kakinomoto-no-hitomaro-poet-statue-taisho-scholar-okimono-writing-brush-literary-art","title":"Large Japanese Bronze Kakinomoto no Hitomaro Poet Statue | Taisho Scholar Okimono Writing Brush Literary Art","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eIntroduction\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA beautifully modeled Japanese bronze sculpture depicting \u003cstrong\u003eKakinomoto no Hitomaro\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most revered poets in the history of Japanese literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeated cross-legged in flowing court robes, the elderly poet raises his gaze as though searching inward for the next line of verse. A writing brush rests in his right hand while the quiet arrangement of his robes, long beard and softly folded court cap gives the figure the contemplative dignity traditionally associated with Hitomaro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than presenting scholarship as something rigid or ceremonial, the sculpture captures the private instant before creation: thought suspended between silence and written word.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts deep brown-black bronze patina gives the work remarkable sculptural presence, allowing light to travel gently across the face, beard, broad chest and sweeping folds of fabric.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor collectors of Japanese bronze, literary history and classical Japanese decorative arts, this is an unusually evocative subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKakinomoto no Hitomaro\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKakinomoto no Hitomaro occupies an exceptional place in Japanese cultural history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActive around the late Asuka and early Nara periods, he became one of the most celebrated poets represented in the ancient poetry anthology known as the \u003cstrong\u003eManyoshu\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver succeeding centuries, Hitomaro's reputation grew far beyond that of an admired historical poet. He came to be regarded as one of the great ancestral figures of waka poetry and was revered by later poets as a poetic master whose image could symbolize literary cultivation, inspiration and artistic discipline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional representations frequently show him seated in court attire with a writing brush and paper, caught in contemplation before writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is precisely the psychological moment captured here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Poet at Work\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the strongest qualities of this sculpture is its restraint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no dramatic action. The subject does not need it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHitomaro sits almost completely absorbed in thought, his body settling into the broad folds of his robe while his face turns upward. The raised gaze creates the impression that he has momentarily stopped writing, perhaps listening internally for the rhythm of a poem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brush becomes the focal point of the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt transforms the figure from a generic elder or scholar into an image of intellectual and creative life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeen in a library, study or writing room, the symbolism becomes particularly resonant. This is a sculpture about language, memory, concentration and the mysterious moment when thought becomes expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSculptural Detail\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe modeling is especially attractive around the face.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeeply articulated eyebrows, slightly raised eyes, prominent cheekbones and the long pointed beard create a characterful portrait without disturbing the dignity of the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe softly folded court cap gives the silhouette a distinctive historical character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow, the robes expand into a broad seated composition with exceptionally fluid folds. Smooth rounded areas across the knees contrast with sharply recessed drapery, creating alternating bands of shadow and reflected light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the side, the sculpture becomes almost architectural. The slightly curved back, prominent chest and long descending cloak create a powerful profile, while the spread garments anchor the figure firmly to the display surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDark Bronze Patina\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze has a rich dark finish ranging from deep brown to almost black depending on the direction of the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis restrained surface suits the subject beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn soft illumination the sculpture can appear almost monochromatic, while stronger directional light reveals warm brown highlights along the forehead, nose, beard, sleeves and folded knees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is particularly effective in interiors built around natural timber, stone, plaster, books and subdued textiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would sit naturally within a Japanese-inspired study, private library, tokonoma-style arrangement, collector's cabinet, gallery interior or contemplative workspace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLiterary and Cultural Meaning\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHitomaro represents something slightly different from the Buddhist and mythological sculptures more commonly associated with Japanese collectible art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis realm is language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor that reason, the figure makes an especially meaningful object for writers, poets, scholars, teachers, editors, translators and collectors of books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can also be appreciated simply as a meditation on creative thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a lovely tension in the composition between stillness and possibility. The figure is seated, yet mentally active. The brush is motionless, yet everything suggests that another line is about to be written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAttribution\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition corresponds very closely to documented Japanese bronze representations of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro from the early twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly close documented example is attributed to the artist Shinzan and dates to the Taisho period. The present sculpture is therefore appropriately described as a Japanese bronze figure of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro in this established sculptural tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnless accompanied by a clearly legible signature, original storage box or other documentary evidence, we make no unsupported claim that the present example was personally cast by a particular artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eObject Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubject:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kakinomoto no Hitomaro\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese bronze okimono \/ literary figure sculpture\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bronze or bronze alloy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep brown-black patina\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seated cross-legged with writing brush\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheme:\u003c\/strong\u003e Poetry, scholarship, literature and Japanese cultural history\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vintage \/ early modern Japanese style\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Please refer to the measurements provided with the listing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture presents beautifully with a deep, even patinated surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinor surface marks, rubbing, patination variation and traces of age may be present and should be regarded as part of the history and character of a vintage bronze object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe facial modeling, writing brush, hands and extensive robe detailing remain visually strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. Additional detail photographs or measurements are welcome upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePurchase, Shipping and Vintage Policy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe carefully photograph and describe our vintage and collectible objects so buyers may evaluate their individual character before purchase. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or requests for additional photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome pieces have modest room for negotiation while others are offered close to a firm price. Respectful offers are always welcome and considered individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparation, shipping and handling normally takes \u003cstrong\u003e5 to 10 business days or earlier\u003c\/strong\u003e. International delivery options vary by destination, size and insured value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage and previously owned objects are not factory-new goods and may naturally carry patination, rubbing, minor marks, casting irregularities and other evidence of age or previous display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for a similar Japanese bronze, literary figure, Buddhist sculpture or another size or interpretation of this subject, please feel free to message us. Although availability cannot be guaranteed, we may be able to locate the same or a closely related piece through our sourcing network.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#KakinomotoHitomaro #Hitomaro #JapaneseBronze #JapanesePoet #JapaneseScholar #BronzeOkimono #JapaneseOkimono #JapaneseSculpture #JapaneseArt #JapaneseAntiques #TaishoArt #TaishoJapan #Manyoshu #WakaPoetry #PoetryArt #LiteraryDecor #WritersGift #ScholarDecor #JapaneseLiterature #JapaneseCulture #BronzeSculpture #AsianArt #AsianAntiques #JapaneseCollectibles #JapaneseInterior #WabiSabi #JapandiDecor #JapaneseStudy #LibraryDecor #WriterDecor #ArtCollector #BronzeCollector #TraditionalJapan #JapaneseMetalwork #VintageJapan #JapaneseHeritage #PoetStatue #ScholarStatue #WritingArt #JapaneseDecor #CollectorSculpture #FineAsianArt #CuratedJapan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehitomaro bronze, japanese bronze, poet statue, scholar statue, taisho bronze, bronze okimono, japanese poet, writing brush art, asian sculpture, literary decor, japan antique, waka poetry art, collector bronze\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector \/ Curator \/ Personal Shopper From Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53820885369125,"sku":"AG 82","price":3425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/8829\/6229\/files\/AG-82_1.jpg?v=1789388418","url":"https:\/\/japonista.com\/products\/large-japanese-bronze-kakinomoto-no-hitomaro-poet-statue-taisho-scholar-okimono-writing-brush-literary-art","provider":"Japonista","version":"1.0","type":"link"}