Fine antique Japanese Kasunoki Masahige bronze statue by old master Toho in mint condition. Signed Higasi Minē 東峰 (Tōhō, east peak) in old Kanji, not to be confused with traditional Chinese "dong feng" (east peak)
Kasunoki Masahige was a 14th century samurai who fought for Emperor Go-Daigo in his attempt to wrest rulership of Japan away from the Kamakura shogunate. In Japan he is upheld as an exemplar of the samurai code and deep loyalty to the emperor.
This meticulously sculpted bronze okimono is based on the Okazaki Sessei's Kusanoki Masashige monument outside of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and it was built in 1893 by
Koun Takamura (1852 - 1934) for mainly head part, Kisai Yamada (1864 - 1901) and Koumei Ishikawa (1852 - 1913) for body part and Sadayuki Goto (1850 - 1903) for horse part.
Masahige is suited in period Japanese armor sitting atop a magnificent muscled steed reared up in motion. With his sword drawn ready for battle, The legendary Mahahige’s countenance exemplifies a noble calm and a potent present masculinity. His armor (kabuto) headdress is resplendent. Not uncommon in the design of traditional kabuto, his headdress conveys a larger than life quality bestowing the fierce warrior who wears it with a mythical greatness.
Statue stands 14 inches tall, length 15 inches and 7 inches wide, weighs 11 lbs.
Domestic shipping & handling from $15
International shipping $65