On October 1st, Alex Cooper presents a marvel of an offering. Amidst an already fine array of art and furniture lies a regal, protective Samurai. “Samurai Guardian V” is his name, a Pugliese creation from the private collection of DJ and Kevin Plank. Formerly resting in the Under Armour headquarters, this Samurai is looking for a new home: it may be yours.
Matteo Pugliese (b. 1969) is a contemporary artist only just beginning his rise. Born in Milan and raised in Sardinia, he developed a love of art and sculpture during adolescence. Though he’s never had formal artistic training (his studies were in the Classics and Modern Literature), his evocative sculpture has found a beloved niche in the art community. Several of his pieces are on permanent display in Rome, New York, Hong Kong, London, Antwerp, and Lugano, and have been seen at major art festivals across the globe.
Pugliese is perhaps best known for his Guardians. The series is a collection of intercultural protectors whose bodies and faces are drawn from the stone guards outside Balinese temples; similar to these religious guardian figures in Animist belief, Pugliese’s sculptured squadron ward off evil spirits with spear and club in hand. Currently, these include Samurai, Hindu gods, Namibian warriors, and Tibetan figures, and Pugliese is always crafting more.
“Samurai Guardian V,” however, is unique in the Guardian gathering. Pugliese’s sculptures typically stand only about two feet high. This intimidating Samurai towers at six feet, including his spear, and bears a weight of 1200 pounds. Crafted of bronze and terracotta, he cuts a grand figure, certain to protect your home and start conversation. On the base of the sculpture, this Samurai vows that “I’m here, I protect you.” There is no one who could turn from that.
A sculpture as unique as this, and with as much as meaning as this, rarely comes to auction. “Samurai Guardian V” provides a stunning opportunity to #sayhitothesamurai, as Alex Cooper tells, and own a piece of Italian Balinese artistry.
