Bronze - Higuchi Hōzan 樋口芳山 - Kinjiro Ninomiya 二宮金次郎, a diligent boy reading a book while carrying firewood - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

This bronze statue of Ninomiya Kinjiro 二宮金次郎 was sculpted by Higuchi Hōzan 樋口芳山 of Takaoka Copperware.
Ninomiya Sontoku was a late Edo period economist, agricultural policy expert, and thinker.

His name is technically pronounced "Takanori," but is commonly pronounced "Sontoku."
He often signs his handwritten documents as Kinjiro.

Ninomiya Kinjiro is famous for his diligent boyhood style, as seen when he read books while carrying firewood on his back, becoming an ideal example of education.

Ninomiya Kinjiro (Ninomiya Sontoku) was an agricultural policy expert of the late Edo period, who advocated the "Hotoku philosophy" and achieved the revival and financial reconstruction of many rural areas.
His philosophy, based on "sincerity," "diligence," "moderation," and "passion," was put into practice as the "Hotoku Service Method," which rebuilt rural areas through a spirit of mutual aid.

Major Achievements
Rural Reconstruction and Financial Reconstruction: He led the reconstruction of many rural areas (over 600 villages) hit by famine and disaster.

Spreading the Hotoku Philosophy: As exemplified by the saying, "Economy without morality is a crime, and morality without economics is nonsense," he spread the idea of ​​balancing morality and economics.

The Spirit of Mutual Aid: He preached the importance of the weak helping each other, and is said to be a forerunner of today's cooperative movement.

Many Achievements: He was involved in the financial reconstruction of the Odawara Domain and the reconstruction of shogunate territories such as the Nikko Shrine Territory.

Hotoku Philosophy
Shisei (Sincerity): Sincerity and honesty
Kinro (Diligent Labor): Working diligently to contribute to society
Bundo (Fundo): Living a life appropriate to one's income and position
Suijo (Delegation): Saving surplus money and using it to benefit others and society

Takaoka Copperware 高岡銅器：
Takaoka Copperware refers to a collective term for traditional copper products primarily manufactured in and around Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. Takaoka City is renowned as the oldest town in Japan for metal crafts, with a particular emphasis on the production of copper goods. The region has inherited copperworking techniques dating back to the Edo period, and Takaoka Copperware is highly esteemed as a form of Japanese traditional craft, showcasing outstanding examples of artistic craftsmanship.

High: 31.0 cm
Width: 15.2 cm
Depth: 14.6 cm
Weight: 3500 g

Condition:
There is no noticeable damage. There is some aging such as dirt, scratches, peeling, rubbing, and dullness. It was stored at home. There are also many photos, so please take a look.

Atention:
The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.

Shipping:
The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan.
We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.

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