Sculptor Jemal Japaridze (1932–2024) was born in Tbilisi. He graduated from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts in 1959. Under the guidance of sculptor Nikoloz Kandelaki, he created two works for his diploma project: Vakhtang Chabukiani, Master of Ballet, and Queen Tamar.

Soviet censors rejected the proposal for Queen Tamar as a diploma submission, deeming a royal figure unacceptable at the time. However, his sculpture of Vakhtang Chabukiani was installed in the foyer of the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, marking the young sculptor’s first major success and recognition of his talent.

From 1960 onwards, Japaridze’s work was exhibited in Georgia and abroad. He worked in monumental, park, and portrait sculpture, using stone, metal, and wood.

The warrior woman was a central theme in his work, embodied in depictions of Queen Tamar, Medea, Amazons, and female archers. Alongside these figures, he explored a more lyrical vision of women through contemporary portraits and compositions devoted to motherhood and family.