Item Description 村田宏 Murata Hiroshi（1936-） This exquisite bronze bull sculpture is a work by Murata Hiroshi, a distinguished metal craft artist and Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) exhibitor based in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture — the historic heartland of Japanese bronze casting. The sculpture depicts a powerful, full-bodied bull rendered with remarkable naturalistic detail: the musculature of the shoulders and haunches, the texture of the hide, the curl of the tail, and the subtle expression of the face are all captured with the confident hand of a master craftsman. The piece is titled "希望" (Kibō / Hope) as inscribed on the accompanying wooden name plaque, which also bears the artist's signature and two red artist seals. The bull is associated with "Ushi" (丑), the Year of the Ox in the Japanese zodiac (eto / jūnishi), making it a traditional good-luck ornament (engimono) believed to bring fortune and perseverance. The sculpture is accompanied by a lacquered black display stand (still in its original plastic wrapping) and a printed certificate/pamphlet identifying this as a Takaoka Traditional Craft piece ("高岡伝統工芸品") created by a Nitten artist. It comes with all original accessories and remains in essentially unused condition. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic piece of Japanese traditional metalwork from one of Takaoka's celebrated bronze craftsmen. Size Height: 9 cm Width: 17.5 cm Depth: 6 cm Weight 816 g Condition The sculpture is in good condition, essentially unused; the display stand retains its original plastic wrapping with no notable damage or wear to either the figure or its accessories. Artist Profile 村田宏 Murata Hiroshi（1936-） Murata Hiroshi was born in 1936 in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, long renowned as the center of Japanese bronze casting. In 1952, he began working at the Takaoka City Metal Technology Guidance Center, where he provided instruction in casting techniques and design for the copper ware industry. He trained under Murata Yoshio, a Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) councilor, mastering the craft of prototype modeling (pen mold). In 1958, he received the Takaoka Mayor's Award at the Takaoka City Exhibition and achieved his first acceptance into the Nitten (with six subsequent acceptances). In 1964, he was first accepted into the Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition (with several subsequent acceptances). He is especially known for his mastery of intricate decorative work in metal. 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.