Item Description 村田宏 Murata Hiroshi（1936-） This exceptional cast metal sculpture of a bull (Ushi) represents the finest tradition of Takaoka Dento Kogei — a government-designated traditional craft with a history spanning over 370 years. Created by Murata Hiroshi, a celebrated Nitten-exhibition artist born in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, this piece exemplifies the master craftsmanship for which Takaoka copperware is internationally renowned. The bull is depicted in a powerful, forward-striding posture, its muscular form rendered with remarkable anatomical precision and a rich, deep bronze patina that transitions subtly to golden bronze highlights across the body. The surface bears a superb lost-wax (rōgata) finish, characteristic of Takaoka's highest-level casting tradition. Draped across the bull's back is a luxurious decorative cloth (kinka-ran) in crimson red and deep purple, embroidered with gold floral motifs and trimmed with an elaborate golden fringe. A twisted red, white, and blue ceremonial cord (mizuhiki) completes the festive adornment, with both red and ivory tassels hanging elegantly from the sides — evoking the sacred ox of Japanese Shinto shrines. The piece is accompanied by its original black lacquered plastic display base, a handwritten wooden title plaque reading "Ushi" (Ox) signed "Hiroshi-saku" with the artist's red seal, and the original paper label identifying it as a Takaoka Traditional Craft by Nitten artist Murata Hiroshi. A commemorative gold-toned brass plate on the underside of the base reads: "Shōwa 60 (1985) — Taga Taisha Shrine, Men's Hōshi Commemoration," indicating this piece was produced as a commemorative work for a significant Shinto shrine event. A rare and culturally significant work of Japanese metal art, ideal for collectors of Japanese traditional crafts, zodiac art, or Shinto cultural artifacts. Size Height: 14 cm Width: 23 cm Depth: 8 cm Weight 732 g Condition The metal sculpture is in good overall condition with minor surface scratches visible on the body, consistent with age and home storage; the decorative brocade cloth and tassels show slight wear and minor fraying, but the overall presentation remains impressive. Artist Profile 村田宏 Murata Hiroshi（1936-）was born in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture — the heartland of Japan's traditional copperware industry. He trained under Murata Yoshio, a Nitten council member, mastering the intricate art of metal casting and ornamentation (pen-mold technique). In 1958, he won the Mayor's Prize at the Takaoka City Exhibition and was accepted into the prestigious Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) for the first time, going on to be selected six times in total. He was also accepted into the Japan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in 1964, with multiple subsequent selections. Murata is particularly celebrated for his exceptional skill in detailed decorative metalwork, carrying forward the 370-year heritage of Takaoka Dento Kogei — a nationally designated traditional craft of Japan. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.