Item Description 村田宏 Murata Hiroshi（1936-） Lucky Rat with Treasure Bag: A Fine Japanese Metal Sculpture by Murata Hiroshi This exceptional metal sculpture by celebrated Japanese metal casting artist Murata Hiroshi depicts the zodiac rat (nezumi / 子), one of Japan's most beloved lucky motifs. The main figure portrays a plump, dignified rat standing upright and grasping an enormous treasure bag (takarabukuro), symbolizing the overflowing of good fortune and prosperity. Perched atop the swelling treasure bag is a charming smaller rat, adding a playful sense of abundance and familial warmth to the composition. Cast in metal with a warm silver-gold finish, the sculpture demonstrates superb craftsmanship rooted in the traditional metal casting techniques of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture — a region renowned throughout Japan for its centuries-old casting heritage. The surface treatment is refined and luminous, with exquisite detailing in the facial features, paw textures, and the flowing folds of the bag's fabric. The artist's seal is cast directly into the body of the sculpture. The work is accompanied by a lacquered black display stand and a wooden plaque bearing the artist's calligraphy and red seal. A biographical profile card of the artist is also included. In Japanese tradition, the rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac and is closely associated with Daikoku, the deity of wealth and commerce, who is often depicted carrying a large treasure bag. This sculpture beautifully embodies the concept of "fukuryū" — the flowing of good luck — making it a powerful and auspicious object for display in the home or office. Size Height: 12 cm Width: 22 cm Depth: 9.5 cm Weight 1,721 g Condition In excellent near-unused condition with no significant scratches, stains, or damage; the sculpture retains its original luminous finish with only the slightest signs of age consistent with long-term storage. Artist Profile 村田宏 Murata Hiroshi（1936-） Born on January 29, 1936, in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Murata Hiroshi is a distinguished metal casting sculptor working in the traditional crafts heritage of the Takaoka region, which has been a major center of Japanese metal casting for over 400 years. He trained under master craftsman Murata Yoshio, and went on to exhibit widely in prestigious national exhibitions. He was selected for the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) multiple times — including the 13th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 24th editions — and was also selected for the Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Gendai Kōgei-ten). In 1968, he earned a Vocational Training Instructor's License from Toyama Prefecture. His work has received awards at numerous regional exhibitions throughout his career. 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.