Prince Shôtoku

Takamura Kôun was from Tokyo. He incorporated the realism of Western art into traditional wood carving, actively pursued the portrayal of actual objects, and established the foundation of modern Japanese wood carving. This piece is a production from Kôun's final years. One can perceive the clarity of his carving craftsmanship, which refused to deteriorate. He expressed details down to the texture of the cow's hair, and it even seems as though one could hear its breathing. Among his pupils were Hirakushi Denchû, as well as Yonehara Unkai and Naitô Shin, both from Shimane Prefecture.