Katori Hidemasa (香取秀真), Japanese (1874–1954)

A Cast-Bronze Deer Form Water Dropper (鋳銅鹿形水滴)

Meiji Era (1868 – 1912) or Taisho Era (1912 – 1926) or Showa Era (1926-1989) 

About the work

A superb cast-bronze suiteki (water dropper) in the form of a deer by Katori Hidemasa, one of Japan’s most distinguished metal artists. The finely modeled figure depicts a seated deer with its head lifted gracefully, capturing both strength and gentleness. The crisp detailing of the antlers contrasts beautifully with the smooth, fluid modeling of the body, demonstrating Katori’s exceptional technical and sculptural mastery.

The surface bears a warm, reddish-brown patina with subtle depth and tonal variation, enhancing the naturalistic vitality of the form. The artist’s signature is engraved on the underside. Compact yet powerful, this piece embodies Katori’s refined synthesis of craftsmanship and aesthetic sensitivity.

Dimensions

9cm(h) x 9.1cm(w) x 4cm(d)

Weight: 149g 

Footnote

Katori Hidemasa was a renowned Japanese metalwork artist, poet, and scholar. He played a pivotal role in establishing metalwork as an academic discipline and was recognized as both a leading practitioner and a pioneering researcher in the field. Katori was the first Japanese artisan to receive the prestigious Order of Culture and served as a professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) and as a member of the Japan Art Academy.

Throughout his distinguished career, he also held key cultural positions, including craftsman at the Imperial Museum (now the Tokyo National Museum), standing committee member of the National Treasure Preservation Society, and specialist member of the Cultural Properties Council. His contributions to the preservation, education, and elevation of Japanese metal arts remain foundational to the discipline today.