Featured in this lot is an Original Seiichi Hand-carved Wood Cat, circa 1926. Attached tag attests the carving was "...accepted for Fourth Exhibition of the Japan Art Society March Showa 4 1926. Seiichi is one of the foremost sculptors in wood of Taisho and Showa." Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and the Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, including African, Afghan and Asian artifacts. The Taisho and Showa eras saw Western influences significantly effect all media of art in Japan. As a reaction, the folk crafts movement, "Mingei", arose to acknowledge the inherent artistic value of traditional design and methods with simplicity in design and form in the usage of natural and local materials in handmade production. Much of this art form is seen in pottery and textiles, but also woodwork. The attached tag seems to indicate this was a limited edition piece. This carving bears much similarity in the ancient art of Inami Chokoku in that it was made from one solitary piece of wood utilizing zelkova wood, is a type of tree which is native to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Eastern China. This wood carved cat stands upright with the body facing left while the head is perpendicular and faces the viewer. Its tail is curled upwards at the tip. The head features are quite pronounced and delicate with its facial expression almost life-like. Measures 12.25"H x 8.5"W x 6.5"D.*