Bronze bear signd by Takabushi Onoda, Japan 1890-1955

This Japanese animal bronze, depicting a bear, is signed by Takabushi Onoda (1890-1955). Born in 1890 during the Meiji era, Onoda is a Japanese sculptor relatively unknown in Europe, though his works are attracting growing interest among Japanese art enthusiasts. A student of Fumio Asakura, he distinguished himself in the Bunten and Teiten exhibitions and, in 1925, contributed to founding the Hanibe Association, dedicated to promoting sculpture in Japan, with regular exhibitions in Kyoto and an informative publication.

This bronze bear, carefully patinated for a realistic finish, showcases Onoda’s talent for capturing the animal’s essence. His sculptures, often small in size, focus on subtle details and texture, characteristics highly valued in Japanese animal bronzes. The bear’s posture, seated and slightly inclined, conveys both strength and tranquility—a duality often sought in Japanese animal art.