Katori Masahiko (香取正彦), Japanese, (1899–1988)

A Bronze Dragon Ornament

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

About the work

A sculptural cast bronze seal by the distinguished Japanese metal artist Katori Masahiko for Hōryūji (法隆寺), a celebrated Buddhist temple complex in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The seal face is formed with the characters 法隆寺 in an archaic seal-script style, designed to produce the name “Hōryūji” when impressed.

The substantial bronze body is modelled in an irregular, architectural form, rising from a broad textured base to a strongly curved handle. Its deliberately rugged surface retains the character of the casting and is enriched by a varied patina of deep brown, reddish copper and subtle green tones. The bold seal matrix contrasts with the sculptural exterior, transforming a functional object into a small work of bronze sculpture.

Hōryūji (法隆寺) is founded in the early seventh century and closely associated with Prince Shōtoku, Hōryūji preserves some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden buildings and an exceptional collection of early Japanese Buddhist art. The temple and its surrounding monuments were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. 

The seal is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako, inscribed Hōryūji-in (法隆寺印), together with a yellow wrapping cloth.

Dimensions

7.2cm(h) x 6cm(w)

Footnote

Katori Masahiko (1899–1988) was born in Tokyo and studied metal casting at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. He first gained international recognition at the 1925 Paris Exposition, later receiving repeated honors at the Imperial Art Academy Exhibitions. After World War II, he became renowned for his large-scale temple bells, including the Hiroshima Peace Bell (1967), and was awarded the Japan Art Academy Prize in 1953. Designated a Living National Treasure in 1977, he completed over 100 bells during his career and was elected to the Japan Art Academy in 1987.