A Cast Iron figurine of a Japanese monkey (1) - Cast iron - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

A Cast Iron figurine of a Japanese monkey by Murata Hiroshi (b. 1936) . The item comes with a wooden plaque that is signed and stamped by the artist. A grayish brown color monkey figurine by the renowned metal artist. The title written on the wooden plaque says "Nodoka," which means peaceful in Japanese. The artist successfully depicted the characteristics of a Japanese monkey; a red face in an unique shape, thick fur and the typical sitting posture with an alert and curious eye. Murata Hiroshi (b1936) is a metal artist, known for his high artistic skills and very fine execution of his works. In 1958, he received prestigious Nitten Award. He was also a judge for Nitten exhibition. In 1964, he won first prize at the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition. Height 16. 7cm Length 11. 5cm Width 9. 3cm Weight 1. 32kg