Nakajima Yasumi II (二代 中島保美), Japanese (1905–1986)

A Bronze Cicada Kōgō (鋳銅蟬香合)

Showa Era (1926–1989)

About the work

A finely cast bronze kōgō in the form of a cicada by Nakajima Yasumi II, one of Japan's leading twentieth century metal artists. Beautifully balancing realism with elegant stylisation, the piece demonstrates the artist's exceptional command of bronze casting and patination while reflecting the refined aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony.

The kōgō is skilfully modelled as a resting cicada, its elongated body tapering naturally towards the tail with delicately carved wings sweeping gracefully across the surface. The prominent eyes and finely defined wing veins reveal the artist's keen observation of nature, while the warm reddish brown patina lends the bronze remarkable depth and richness. The clean, flowing lines and restrained decoration allow the sculptural form to speak for itself, creating a work that is both functional as a tea ceremony incense container and highly decorative as an independent bronze sculpture.

The underside bears the artist's signature, and the kōgō is accompanied by its original fitted signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Dimensions

2.4cm(h) x 9cm(w) x 3.8cm(d)

Footnote

Nakajima Yasumi II (1905–1986), also known by his art name Kakō (佳香), was born in Osaka and was the eldest son of the renowned metal artist Nakajima Yasumi I, a founder of the Osaka Craft Group. After graduating from the National School of Industrial Art in Sendai in 1932, his work was exhibited internationally, including at the Export Crafts Exhibition in Japan and the Grand Salon in Paris. From 1939 onwards, he exhibited regularly at Japan's leading government sponsored exhibitions, including the Shin Bunten and later the Nitten, where he received numerous awards. Celebrated for his innovative abstract designs and exceptional mastery of bronze patination, Nakajima Yasumi II is regarded as one of the leading Japanese metal artists of the Showa period.