Female Figure

Funakoshi Yasutake decided to pursue sculpture after being deeply impressed by the book Auguste Rodin’s Words, translated by Takamura Kotaro. After his eldest son’s death, he converted to Christianity, and much of his subsequent work was rooted in his faith. His best-known works include Twenty Six Martyrs Monument and Haranojo Castle, which drew inspiration from the Shimabara Rebellion. Funakoshi was also known as a stone carver, and his demure and tidily elegant female figures epitomize his pursuit of an ideal beauty. This work, originally modeled in clay and then cast in bronze, is pervaded by stillness and spiritual depth, and amply conveys the qualities of Funakoshi’s work. He taught at Tokyo University of the Arts, and was a founding member of the sculpture division of Shinseisaku-ha Kyokai (Shinseisaku Art Society) along with Sato Churyo and Yanagihara Yoshitatsu. Despite suffering a stroke in 1987 that impaired his right side, he continued to work with his left hand until his final days. (H.M.)