Yuki Inoue

signed in English with a painted seal of the artist; together with a black stand adorned with swirling cloud motif



This work was executed in 2008

Wada Garou Co., Ltd.

There is an air bubble on the salamander's front right hand on the index finger knuckle measuring approximately 2cm, otherwise the work is generally in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Yuki Inoue was born in Hyougo, Japan, in 1972. He was educated at Tama Art University, where he completed undergraduate studies in 1998, and postgraduate studies in 2000. As is evident in the current sculpture Salamander, he is an artist who looks to his own cultural heritage for inspiration in his work.

The salamander is an amphibious creature, and in legend it is ascribed an affinity with fire. Comparisons are made with the dragon, a mythical creature and an auspicious symbol of Imperial power in China, the number of claws denoting Imperial rank. The Japanese dragon (Ryu) is most commonly depicted with three claws: benevolent creatures associated with water, they are said to grant wishes. Salamanders however, as displayed by the current work, mostly have four front toes and five rear toes. The Japanese giant salamander is endemic to Japan, where it is known as Osanshouo, and can grow to a length of almost 1.5 meters – a size not dissimilar to the current sculpture. It is a long-lived species, living as old as 52 years, which may explain its associations with longevity in Japanese culture.

Numerous legends have developed around the salamander over the centuries, many related to fire. This connection is likely to originate from the tendency of many salamanders to dwell inside rotting logs. When placed into a fire, the salamander would attempt to escape from the log, lending to the belief that salamanders were created from flames.

The current work is adorned with various symbols and rather surprisingly holds a traditional Japanese umbrella, which itself is adorned with traditionally auspicious Japanese motifs. These motifs, and the umbrella itself, are all symbols used on different cards in the Japanese gambling card game "Hanafuda" (Flower Cards). The purple ribbon, peony flowers, umbrella and butterflies all have different meanings in the game: flowers for example are designated to the 12 suits. A card game which existed in Japan for some time, Hanafuda did not become popular until the Yakuza began using the cards in their gambling parlors, which then saw the rise in popularity of card games across Japan.

Inoue's choice of salamander as a motif may stem from the amphibian's associations with longevity, and by embellishing the body of the beast with traditional Japanese auspicious emblems, the sculpture may be regarded as a symbol of general good fortune and longevity. Inoue's sculptures of salamanders have previously been significantly smaller and the current work is the first he has created in this large format.