【Important notes】 ・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. ・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support. 【Product details】 This hand-carved wooden sculpture depicts the Laughing Buddha, created in 1933 (Showa 8) by Kitamura Seibo (1884–1987), one of Japan’s most celebrated sculptors. Born in Minami-Arima, Nagasaki Prefecture, Kitamura graduated top of his class from the Kyoto City School of Arts and Crafts in 1907 and later studied at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, graduating in 1912. Kitamura first gained recognition when his work was selected for the Ministry of Education Art Exhibition (Bunten) in 1908. He went on to receive the Second Prize at the 9th Bunten in 1915 for his sculpture "Dotō" (Raging Waves). Throughout his career, he served as a professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, became a member of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, and later received the Order of Culture and the Cultural Merit Award. In 1965, he was appointed head of the First Department of the Japan Art Academy and in 1974 became honorary chairman of the Nitten exhibition. Kitamura’s most renowned works include the Peace Statue in Nagasaki Peace Park and the bronze statue of Taisuke Itagaki in the National Diet Building. This wooden sculpture, signed “西望” (Seibō) on the reverse, portrays the Laughing Buddha, a symbol of happiness, abundance, and contentment in Japanese and Chinese culture. It comes with its original wooden box. Due to age, the piece shows wear, including small scratches, chips, a noticeable dent on the back, and a visible chip on the left foot. Please refer to the photos for details. Dimensions: approx. H 30 cm W 15 cm D 17 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!