Fumio Asakura, a revered name in modern Japanese sculpture, is celebrated for both his artistic genius and his endearing passion for cats. The Fumio Asakura Museum of Sculpture boasts an extensive collection of over 50 of his works, providing a captivating glimpse into the essence of this prolific artist.
Within the museum, the third exhibition room features a delightful assortment of more than a dozen cat sculptures, each one showcasing Asakura’s extraordinary ability to capture the grace and charm of these beloved animals through expressive forms and intricate details.
“Cat In All Forms” Exhibition
Fumio Asakura (1883-1964) was a avid feline enthusiast who housed up to 19 cats in his mansion, drawing inspiration from his furry companions to create a remarkable array of cat sculptures throughout his life. In 1964, he planned the “Cat in All Forms” exhibition to celebrate his 60th year as a sculptor and the Tokyo Olympics, showcasing the diverse poses of cats. Tragically, he passed away from illness at the age of 81 just before the Olympics, preventing the exhibition’s debut. Nonetheless, his vision was honored by those close to him, culminating in special exhibitions at the Asakura Museum of Sculpture in 1994 and 2017.
“Wonderful Cat Life” Exhibition
In 2024, to mark the 60th anniversary of his passing, the Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture hosted a special exhibition titled “Wonderful Cat Life: Fumio Asakura, Cats, and Sometimes Dogs,” showcasing a captivating array of his cat-themed sculptures that also focuses on cat-related works, just like the “Cats in All Forms” exhibition, but what differs from past exhibitions is the way it is displayed.
“Rather than just displaying our cat works, we took into consideration how Asakura spent his time here (at the Asakura Museum of Sculpture) with the cats and what their lives were like,” says Yasuko Tobari, chief researcher at the Asakura Museum of Sculpture.
Hanging Cat (1909)
The Hanging Cat, created in 1909, serves as a striking introduction to the ‘Wonderful Cat Life” exhibition, marking its significance as the earliest recorded feline artwork showcased publically.
This masterpiece of fine feline art not only showcases a striking interplay between tension and relaxation but also highlights the artist’s keen observational skills and emotional depth. The contrast between the firm grip on the cat’s neck and the languid posture of its body creates an engaging visual and emotional narrative, enhanced by the cat’s expressive face that hints at a personality and story of its own. Asakura’s early talent shines through, reflecting both the training received at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and a budding mastery of capturing the complexities of life.
“Well Caught” (1946)
Moving our focus to a later art piece, Well Caught (1946), created nearly 40 years after Hanging Cat, we are struck by the remarkable refinement of his technique. The tension in the muscles surrounding the cat’s neck as it sinks its teeth into the rat, its fierce expression, and the poised balance of its front legs in anticipation of the rat’s struggle all contribute to a vivid sense of immediacy. The striking realism of this cat artwork is so compelling that it seems to capture the essence of the Felidae family in a precise moment, poised for action and ready to leap at any moment.
Visit The “Room of Cat”
Ran-no Ma, known as the “Room of Cat,” features a captivating exhibition of around 10 cat sculptures of Fumio Asakura, also referred to as the “Rodin of Japan”.These captivating cat artworks showcase Asakura’s exceptional ability to capture serene moments of relaxation shared with his beloved feline family.
