Saigō Takamori Sculpture Concours

Described as "the quintessential samurai hero of modern Japanese history”, the impact of Saigō Takamori’s leadership and influence is felt in Japan even to this day.

The ZEN virtues of Saigō-san are an inspiration to County Hall Arts (CHA) and its ethos - indeed, the charity’s motto is "It is not how much we do, but how well. The will to do. The soul to dare”.

CHA is therefore delighted to announce its latest sculpture concours - the creation of a Saigō Takamori Sculpture themed around ‘Bushido' to be placed at the historic County Hall on London’s renowned Southbank, to honour the samurai code he so epitomised.

Sculptors are invited to submit proposals comprising of a 3D or 5D design. The chosen winner will be commissioned to make the real sculpture in return for a first prize of €50,000 (plus the cost of materials).

The proposed sculpture should be 1.9 meters tall and composed of natural, non-synthetic materials — specifically wood, stone, ceramics or bronze. We will consider a range of styles.

The competition is open for submissions from 12th September 2024 through to 25th April 2025.

Sometimes revered as 'the last samurai’, Saigō-san was born in Kagoshima in 1828. He emerged from modest samurai origins to become one of the most important leaders in the Meiji Restoration whilst subsequently driving to preserve Japanese culture in the face of westernisation.

The life of selflessness and sacrifice Saigō-san led - always striving for others above himself and his own interests - epitomises the values CHA holds dear and wishes to encourage in the wider world, that good deeds and good works are undertaken not for money, not for power, not for fame, but for Others.

Sculpture, as timeless as any form of artistic expression, has a long history at County Hall, and numerous distinctive sculptural works have adorned this storied building since its opening some 100 years ago.

More recently, CHA announced two joint winners for its ‘Peace’ sculpture competition, while also launching a call for entries to a ‘Fufu‘ sculpture concours. Our hopes to commemorate Saigō-san in this manner is part of a wider commitment to sculpture as a noble and enduring art.

Before you fill in the Submission Form, please read the Terms and Conditions.