About this lot

Description

Kenjiro Azuma (Japanese, born 1926), a limited edition bronze, the abstract form based around the artists 'MU' series, signed in the bronze and numbered 58/400 16 x 13.50cm (6 x 5in)
Born in Japan, Azuma Kenjiro enrolled at the Tokyo University of the Arts to study sculpture, before leaving for Italy to further his training at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in 1956. He went on to spend six decades of his life in Milan. Working in the workshop of the Italian sculptor, Marino Marini (1901-1980), Kenjiro was much encouraged to draw on his Japanese identity and Eastern philosophies, which inspired him to develop the MU series - of which the present lot is an example. From 1962 onwards, all his sculptures were named 'MU' followed by a number - MU meaning 'nothing' in Kanji and Chinese. The current lot epitomizes the MU series in its abstract shape and geometric as well as symbolic features. The hollow dots and marks are recurring features throughout his sculptures, referring to the passing of time. Its surrealistic undertones are characteristic of the Punto Art Movement. In 1961, Kenjiro joined the Punto Art Movement, established in Milan by the Chinese-born abstract painter, Hsiao Chin, (b.1935). Representing Japan, Kenjiro became the only member working predominantly with sculpture. In 1963, he was awarded the Japanese National Museum of Modern Art prize. In 1975, his work was acquired by the Vatican Museum, and became its first collection by a Japanese artist.
In very good condition.

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