SIGNED JOUN KOKU AND NOGAWA MARK, MEIJI PERIOD (LATE 19TH CENTURY)

Oshima Joun (1858-1940) was a Japanese sculptor and artist, noted for his great artistry and skill in bronze casting. There appears to be some debate about the correct attribution of the go (or art-name) Oshima Joun to either Oshima Katsujiro or his brother Oshima Yasutaro. Both were noted artists in metal, so the other go in use at the time, Oshima Shokaku, could belong to either brother. The two brothers managed a workshop under the business name Sanseisha which became very successful and at one point employed 11 assistants. Many of Joun's students (Ryuki, Suzuki Chokichi, Okazaki Sessei, Hasegawa Kumazo, Kanaya Gorosaburo, Jomi Eisuke) went on to achieve distinction of their own.

Joun exhibited at the 2nd National Industrial Exposition in 1881, at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900, and the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910.