This bronze statue of Ryokan, who was active in the late Edo period, was created by Komejiichi 米治一. The statue depicts Ryokan and a child who is fond of him. It is a very heartwarming bronze statue. The child is reaching out as if wanting a toy or food that Ryokan is holding. Both Ryokan and the child have very calm expressions. Ryōkan (1758–1831) was a Zen monk, calligrapher, and poet from the late Edo period. Despite being a Sōtō school monk, he shunned social status and fame, living a life of simplicity and closeness to nature. His way of life and poetry embody the spirit of "wu wei" (non-action in harmony with nature), which continues to inspire people today. Born into a prominent family, Ryōkan rejected worldly concerns and became a monk. He gave up all titles and privileges, finding joy in playing with children. Although a gifted poet of Chinese and Japanese verse, he led an honest, carefree life, owning no temple and wandering freely. A famous anecdote is his love for playing hide-and-seek with children—he once remained hidden even after the children had gone home. Ryokan's way of life can be summed up in one word: "poverty," a life of restraint against excessive desires and a simple life. Ryōkan was born in Izumozaki, Niigata, and after completing his studies, traveled throughout Japan before fully committing to Zen practice. Instead of residing in a temple, he lived among the common people, leading a humble life. His poetry and calligraphy reflect his deep affection for nature, animals, and children. His works, including Chinese poems and waka (traditional Japanese poems), as well as his playful demeanor, are iconic of his personality and beliefs. Ryōkan’s writing is rooted in Zen wisdom, focusing on peace, love, and compassion, expressed in a simple, accessible style that resonates with people even today. His life and works symbolize the pursuit of spiritual richness over material desires, and his calligraphy and poetry continue to be cherished by many. Komejiichi 米治一 Born in 1896 Komejiichi is a sculptor and model maker from Yokota-cho, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. He was involved in the production of Takaoka copperware and copper statues, leaving behind several thousand pieces of work. Komejiichi, a nationally renowned copper statue artist, continued to have a strong creative drive even in his later years, leaving behind many copper statues. He was a true workaholic, and those who knew him say that not a day went by when he wasn't holding clay in his hands. During the war, when metal donations made it difficult to produce copper statues, he built a kiln at his home in Yokota-cho and devoted himself to terracotta and pottery. High: 26.5 cm Width: 21.5 cm Depth: 16.8 cm Weight: 5300 g Condition: The condition is generally good. There is no noticeable damage, but there may be small scratches, stains, scuffs, peeling, etc. 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. 102622561030