Japanese Modern Mouse Sculptures – Pair of Signed Nezumi Figures by Sotaro Saegusa

Artist: Sotaro Saegusa / 三枝惣太郎
Title: Pair of Nezumi / Mouse Sculptures
Medium: Cast metal with textured patinated finish and gilt-toned accents
Edition: Open
Year: Shōwa period, likely 1960s–1970s
Dimensions: Larger mouse approx. 12 cm H × 8 cm W
Signature: Signed on underside
Condition: Good vintage condition with light surface wear and natural patina consistent with age.

Notes:
A charming pair of Japanese modern mouse sculptures by Sotaro Saegusa, known for his stylized animal forms and warm, approachable modernist design. The rounded bodies, upright ears, pointed noses, and softly textured surfaces give these mice a wonderful balance of playfulness and restraint.
The most appealing aspect of the pair is the way Saegusa reduces the forms almost to simple geometry while still keeping them unmistakably alive. The pale, textured surface with warm gold-toned accents gives the figures a gentle, slightly festive quality without becoming cute in a disposable way.
These work especially well as small tabletop sculptures, bringing a quiet note of Japanese modern design to a shelf, desk, or cabinet.

Keywords: Sotaro Saegusa, 三枝惣太郎, Japanese mouse sculpture, nezumi, Japanese modern sculpture, vintage Japanese sculpture, Japanese animal sculpture, Shōwa period design, Japanese metal sculpture, modernist animal figure, Japanese zodiac mouse, Sosaku Collection