Bronze Duck family by Imperial Artist ー津田 信夫 "愛憐庇護"

A tender scene in warm, caramel colored bronze of a protective mother duck wth her ducklings by Tsuda Shinobu enclosed in a box titled Airen Higo (Parental Concern) annotated by his student Takamura Toyochika. The phrase Aairen-higo combines emotional tenderness with protective guardianship making it a fitting poetic encapsulation of a mother duck shielding her young. It's not just about biological care, but a deeper sense of compassion—perhaps even a gentle sorrow or empathy—suggesting Tsuda’s intent to elevate the emotional realism of the scene beyond simple naturalism. The mother bird is 26.5 x 23 x 29 cm (10-1/2 x 9 x 11-1/2 inches) and all three are in excellent condition.

Tsuda Shinobu (1875–1946) was a pioneering Japanese metal artist and educator, born into a family of traditional physicians in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture. He graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts' metal casting department in 1900 and went on to teach there until 1944. Early in his career, he contributed to major public works, including the bronze crane fountain in Hibiya Park and decorative elements of the National Diet Building and Nihonbashi. In 1914, he co-founded the Seikōkai (Blue Jar Society), promoting artistic casting. After studying in Europe (1923–1925), he introduced Western modernist ideas to students such as Takamura Toyochika. A driving force behind the establishment of the craft division in the Imperial Art Exhibitions, he was later appointed a member of the Imperial Art Academy.

Takamura Toyochika (1890–1972) was a renowned Japanese metal artist and esteemed professor. Born in Tokyo as the third son of sculptor Takamura Kōun and younger brother of poet-sculptor Takamura Kōtarō, he studied under Tsuda Shinobu and graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1915. A pivotal figure in modern Japanese craft, he co-founded the Association of Decorative Artists in 1919 and later led key craft movements including Mukei and Jitsuzai Kōgei Bijutsukai. He served as a juror for national exhibitions and became a professor at both Tokyo and Kanazawa art universities. Named a Living National Treasure in 1964, he was also active as a poet and cultural advocate. His son, photographer Tadamura Tadashi, continued the family’s artistic legacy.