A large gathering of Fumio Asakura’s beloved cats and dogs! Special exhibition is now being held[Asakura Sculpture Museum]- Sfumart

“Wonderful Cat Life: Fumio Asakura and Cats, Sometimes Dogs” Exhibition view

The year 2024 marks 60 years since Fumio Asakura’s death.Taito Asakura Sculpture Museum“Wonderful Cat Life: Fumio Asakura and Cats and Sometimes Dogs” is currently being held at .

Wonderful cat life Fumio Asakura and cats, sometimes dogs

1964 was a memorable year for Fumio Asakura (1883-1964), celebrating 60 years as a sculptor. The same year was the year the Tokyo Olympics were held…

Taito Asakura Sculpture Museum | Tokyo

September 14~December 24, 2024

A large collection of cat works that Asakura dreamed of has come true.

1964 marked the 60th anniversary of Fumio Asakura’s (1883-1964) career as a sculptor, and was also the year of the Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, Asakura was planning a “Cat Hyakkyo Exhibition,” a collection of his own cat works. However, Asakura passed away on April 18th of that year at the age of 81, and the “Cat Hyakkyo Exhibition” was never realized.

2024 marks 60 years since Asakura’s death. To commemorate this, Asakura’s last dream of collecting cat works has finally come true!

“Wonderful Cat Life: Fumio Asakura and Cats, Sometimes Dogs” Exhibition view

In addition to cat works, dog works will also be exhibited. You can enjoy the sculptures created by Asakura, who loved cats and dogs.

Pay attention to the expressions and movements of each cat

Cat lovers will be surprised by the realism of the cats created by Asakura.

Fumio Asakura, Hanged Cat, 1909, bronze, Taito Asakura Sculpture Museum collection

“The Hanged Cat” is the first of his cat works to remain on record.

The arm pinching the cat’s neck and the cat being lifted up are realistically captured.

Fumio Asakura, 1952 Bronze, Taito Asakura Museum of Sculpture

A cat waits patiently until it has a chance to find and capture its prey. You can tell from the way the cat arches its back and the movements of its tail that it has thoroughly observed every inch of the cat.

What kind of prey lies ahead of the work…? Please check the exhibition to find out the correct answer.

Fumio Asakura, Parent Kitten, 1935, Bronze, Taito Asakura Sculpture Museum

“Parent kittens” are cute kittens that sleep comfortably clinging to their parent cats.

The paws are also depicted in detail, making it irresistibly adorable! Take a look around and see how many kittens are sleeping.

There’s also a dog

What’s interesting about this exhibition is that there are not only cats but also dogs.

Fumio Asakura, Standing Star, 1919, bronze, Taito Asakura Sculpture Museum collection

The model for “Standing Star” is the police dog Star. The figure standing dignifiedly, perhaps waiting for orders from the police officer?

Asakura lived with 19 cats at one time and was nicknamed the “Cat Doctor,” but he also loved dogs. It seems like Asakura took it for granted that cats and dogs were present in her daily life.

Enjoy the inside of Asakura’s residence and atelier

The Asakura Sculpture Museum is a building that was Asakura’s studio and residence, and was apparently designed by Asakura himself. Various efforts have been made down to the smallest details.

The building has three floors. The “courtyard” on the first floor has a beautiful pond with trees growing from various angles.

Check out the tactile bronze works in the “Asahi no Ma” on the 3rd floor!

When you touch it, you can feel the supple cat’s body.

Because the exhibition is held in Asakura’s particular residence, the animals appear to be very lively.

“Wonderful Cat Life: Fumio Asakura and Cats, Sometimes Dogs” will be held until December 24th. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Fumio Asakura, Original title unknown (Sleeping), year of production unknown, Taito Ward Asakura Sculpture Museum collection
There is also a cat sleeping on a cushion like this. Looks like a real cat is sleeping