Is Hanging cat under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

Get a giclee of Hanging cat

Artwork Description

This works brings a smile to the face of every cat lover. A masterpiece not only in the cleverness of the idea but in the artist’s mastery at transferring the viscosity of the clay to the tense human arm and relaxed body of the cat. Asakura Fumio graduated from the Tokyo Fine Arts School in 1907. The following year, he received an award at the second Bunten exhibition and thereafter won awards there for six more consecutive years. This work, exhibited at the third Bunten exhibition, is terse and novel in its organization, being composed of a human right arm positioned more or less vertically and a cat being held hanging from that hand. Completely disregarding the differences in surface texture between human skin and a furry cat’s body, it contrasts magnificently the human arm with its tensed fingers and the limp, hanging body of the cat, which have been made almost to equal size. The rendering of the bit of tension in the cat’s hind legs is graphic evidence of Asakura’s sharp, observant eye and solid powers of depiction. Since it would be impossible to have a cat pose in such a way for an extended length of time, the artist must have hung it thus numerous times, ignoring any objections on the cat’s part, to observe its movement and exprerssion. Although it is a small work from early in his career, it is a characteristic piece by this artist who became a leading figure in the official exhibitions of the time by valuing realism and technical skill, even while modern sculpture in Japan was being so powerfully influenced by Rodin. (Writer : Masato Satsuma Source : Selected Masterpieces from The University Art Museum, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music: Grand Opening Exhibition, The University Art Museum, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, 1999)

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

The Genesis of a Master

Born amidst the tranquil, rural rhythms of Oita Prefecture in 1883, Fumio Asakura’s journey began far from the bustling metropolitan centers of art. His early years in the village of Asaji provided a foundation of natural observation, where the movements of livestock and the textures of the landscape whispered the first secrets of form and vitality. This pastoral innocence was transformed when, at the age of nineteen, he migrated to Tokyo, drawn by the artistic magnetism of his brother, Osamu Watanabe. It was within the hallowed halls of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts that Asakura began to forge a new language for Japanese sculpture, one that sought to marry the rigorous anatomical precision of Western realism with a uniquely Eastern sensitivity to spirit and atmosphere.

The Rodin of Japan

Asakura’s rise was marked by an almost meteoric success within the prestigious Bunten exhibitions, where his ability to capture objective realism earned him the reverent title of the Rodin of Japan. His work did not merely replicate reality; it sought to breathe life into bronze and clay through a profound understanding of musculature and emotion. He was a master of diverse forms, ranging from the haunting, evocative depths of his piece Darkness to the dignified, solemn presence of his portrait sculptures. His repertoire also embraced a more intimate, whimsical side, seen in his celebrated feline forms that reflected a deep-seated love for the animals around him. Whether sculpting the powerful tension of a nude figure or the delicate grace of a cat, Asakura’s hand moved with an unparalleled command over texture and light.

A Lasting Monument to Artistry

The significance of Asakura’s career extends far beyond his individual masterpieces; he was a foundational pillar of modern Japanese art. As a dedicated educator, he established the Asakura Private School within his integrated residence-studio in the historic Yanaka neighborhood, training generations of artists to follow in his footsteps. His monumental contributions were formally recognized when he became the first sculptor to be honored with Japan's Order of Cultural Merit in 1948. Today, his legacy is preserved in the Asakura Museum of Sculpture, a sanctuary where his life’s work and meticulously designed gardens continue to invite the world to witness the enduring spirit of a man who bridged two worlds through the medium of sculpture.

fumio asakura

1883 - 1964 , Japan

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Western-style sculpture
Date Of Birth: March 1, 1883
Date Of Death: April 18, 1964
Full Name: Fumio Asakura
Nationality: Japanese
Notable Artworks:
- Yami (Darkness)
- Hakamori (Gravekeeper)
- Sanso no Zo
- Grave Keeper
Place Of Birth: Oita, Japan

fumio asakura: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular

Hanging cat

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Reproduction Size

Artwork Customization

Artist Skill Level

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 263

Summary

Reproduction Medium

-

Elite Senior Artist

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Customize My Artwork

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price