Jitsuzo Hinago

Japanese sculptor Jitsuzo Hinago dropped out of Keio University and instead graduated from the Tokyo University of Art as a sculpture major in 1918, studying under Fumio Asakura, who was one of the most influential contemporary sculptors in Japanese history. From 1919 onwards he was continuously awarded prizes at the Emperor Exhibitions. In 1928, he was one of the founding members of a group of oppositional sculptors called kōzō-sha aimed at combining sculpture and architecture.

Hinago travelled to Europe in 1929 and spent two years in France and Italy. After his return he was active in re-organizing the Imperial Art Institute and became a member of the board of the Kokufu sculpture association. Hinako created over 200 sculptures, including a commemorative medal on Yabusame (archery from horseback, a Japanese national sport) for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Hinako also created the Japanese Soccer Association’s symbol of a three-legged crow. Probably his best known works were reliefs for the hakkō ichiu tower in Miyazaki, constructed in 1940. After World War II, the tower was renamed Heiwanotou Tower (Tower of Peace). Hinago was commissioned to make commemorative medals for many sports-related events, and also for military events.

Rugby is a 15 x 40 x 10 cm bronze sculpture from 1932. It was awarded as a trophy in international matches between Japan and Canada. Yabusame is a bronze plaque from 1935 in the format 72 x 80 x 12 mm. The Priest plaque from 1936 is likely to have a similar format.