Japanese Seated Figure Depicting Scholar with Fish

A scholar sits, a fish at his side, and somehow it all makes sense.

Japanese metalworkers cast this seated figure of a scholar with a fish in bronze in the mid 20th century. Scholars, sages and fish are familiar subjects in East Asian art, with fish often associated with good fortune. The smiling figure wears a pointed cap and a loose robe, sits cross-legged on a rocky base, and cradles the fish in one arm. The bronze has a silvered, pewter-like finish, rubbed through to warm metal in a few places.

About 8 inches tall. A cheerful presence for the desk, and a fine paperweight for large ideas.