やすべえ

A statue by Ossip Zadkine: 'Le Messager'

Walk along the Sumida River and pass near Chuo Ohashi Bridge, and you may notice a statue standing on the bridge pier. This is an artwork by the Russian sculptor Ossip Zadkine, titled 'Le Messager,' positioned just upstream of the bridge. 'Le Messager' was created in 1937 and exhibited at the Paris Expo in the same year. The 'Le Messager' standing at Chuo Ohashi Bridge is the one that was newly cast in a later year, gifted from Paris in the name of President Chirac as of October 27, 1992, symbolizing the friendship between Paris and Tokyo, as well as between the Seine River in Paris and the Sumida River.

Osip Zakin's name is not widely known in Japan, but he was a world-class sculptor and recognized as an artist of the École de Paris. He was a close friend of Tsuguharu Fujita, who was active in the same period in Paris.

'Le Messager' stands facing the Sumida River, likely to deliver a message to sailors. Despite its proximity to the Chuo Ohashi Bridge, people passing over the bridge never see the front of the statue. Since I had taken pictures of the Chuo Ohashi Bridge some time ago, I wanted to see the face of the statue, so I attempted to take pictures of it this time.

View from the west bank of the Sumida River

View from the west bank of the Sumida River A statue by Ossip Zadkine: 'Le Messager'

If you wish to see the front of the statue, it is easier from the west bank of the Sumida River because the statue faces slightly west. On close inspection, you will notice the statue holds a sailing ship, it is reminiscent of the coat of arms of the city of Paris, depicting a sailing ship.

View from the east bank of the Sumida River

View from the east bank of the Sumida River A statue by Ossip Zadkine: 'Le Messager'
A statue by Ossip Zadkine: 'Le Messager'

The statue is positioned on a bridge pier, offering a view of the right-side details.

View from the Chuo Ohashi Bridge

View from the Chuo Ohashi Bridge A statue by Ossip Zadkine: 'Le Messager'

This is the typical view for those passing by the bridge. Only the back and both sides of the statue are visible from the bridge. In the distance, the Eitai Bridge and Tokyo Skytree grace the view.

The explanatory plate placed on the Bridge

The explanatory plate placed on the Bridge A statue by Ossip Zadkine: 'Le Messager'

An explanatory plate of 'Le Messager' is placed on the Chuo Ohashi Bridge. I decided to put it here so that you can refer the information originally provided on the bridge.