Japanese Bronze By Kondo Shoshin (masazane) - Tiger Licking Its Paws

This finely cast bronze of a tiger absorbed in the intimate gesture of licking its paw exemplifies the refined naturalism and restrained power characteristic of Kond? Sh?shin (Masazane, ??). The animal is shown at rest, its massive body folded into a compact, horizontal composition, yet charged with latent strength. Rather than depicting the tiger in a moment of aggression, the sculptor chose a quiet, almost private instant, allowing observation, anatomy, and surface to take precedence over drama.
The modeling is exceptionally sensitive. The head inclines slightly forward, jaws gently parted, as the tongue reaches the paw; this small movement animates the entire sculpture. Musculature is rendered with subtle transitions rather than sharp definition, suggesting strength beneath the skin without exaggeration. The surface bears a softly varied patina, catching light along the shoulders, flanks, and haunches, while deeper recesses remain shadowed, enhancing the sense of volume and mass. The paws, carefully articulated, anchor the composition and guide the viewer’s eye back toward the contemplative expression of the animal.
Kond? Sh?shin was a pupil of ?shima J?un (1858–1940), one of the most influential figures in modern Japanese bronze sculpture and a central proponent of sculptural realism in the Meiji and Taish? periods. Under J?un’s guidance, Sh?shin absorbed a disciplined approach to form, close study of living models, and a respect for traditional casting techniques, while developing his own quieter, introspective sensibility. This work reflects that lineage clearly: the anatomical accuracy and technical confidence recall the master, while the calm, inward-looking mood is distinctly Sh?shin’s own.
As an object, the bronze stands as a sophisticated synthesis of observation and poetry. The tiger—an emblem of power and authority in East Asian art—is here rendered not as a symbol of ferocity, but as a living creature engaged in a moment of self-care. This choice elevates the sculpture beyond mere animalier virtuosity, inviting prolonged contemplation and revealing the artist’s deep empathy with his subject. It is a work that speaks equally to collectors of Japanese modern bronzes and to connoisseurs who value understatement, technical excellence, and psychological nuance in sculpture.