(Karako squatting) c. 20th century

This squatting figure was carved in Japan by Gyokuzan, sometime between 1737 and 1812. It's made of wood and what's so charming is how it manages to be both playful and dignified at the same time. The surface feels smooth, almost polished, which gives it a tactile quality, you just want to pick it up! The carving is so precise. Notice the details in the hands and feet - so delicate and expressive. The posture itself is something else: grounded, yet ready to spring into action. There's a real sense of balance in the piece, both physically and conceptually. Looking at this figure, I can't help but think about the work of Constantin Brancusi, someone like the sculptor who also was after a similar sense of reductive essence. In the end, it's a piece that invites contemplation, reminding us that art is an ongoing dialogue.