Item Description This is an exquisite bronze sculpture with gold leaf titled "Uwamuki Doji" (Upward-Looking Child) by the renowned Japanese sculptor Yabuuchi Satoshi (1953- ). Standing at 24.5 cm tall, this limited edition piece is numbered 74/88, making it a rare and collectible work from an artist celebrated for his unique fusion of traditional Buddhist iconography and contemporary sculptural expression. Yabuuchi is best known for his "童子" (Doji/Child) series, which embodies the essence of life and the spiritual energy that permeates all existence. This particular sculpture captures a child figure gazing upward, symbolizing aspiration, hope, and the pursuit of enlightenment. The piece is crafted in bronze with exquisite gold leaf accents that highlight the spiritual nature of the work, creating a warm and radiant presence. The artist studied traditional Buddhist sculpture conservation and restoration at Tokyo University of the Arts, and his mastery of classical techniques is evident in every detail of this piece. His works have been exhibited internationally and are held in private collections worldwide. Yabuuchi is also famous as the creator of "Sento-kun," the official mascot of Nara Prefecture. This sculpture comes with its edition number (74/88) clearly marked, confirming its authenticity and limited production. The piece represents not only aesthetic beauty but also embodies Japanese Buddhist philosophy and animistic life views through its charming and contemplative character. Size Height: 24.5 cm Width: 11.5 cm Depth: 11.5 cm Weight 1727 g / 1.727 kg Condition The sculpture is in good condition with minor traces of age and use. Overall, it retains its original beauty and structural integrity. Artist Profile Yabuuchi Satoshi was born in Osaka in 1953 and graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, where he studied sculpture and later specialized in Buddhist statue conservation and restoration. From 1982 to 1987, he worked as a research assistant at the university's Graduate School of Conservation and Restoration Technology, gaining deep expertise in classical techniques and materials such as cypress, lacquer, and traditional pigments. In 1987, Yabuuchi began his independent career as a sculptor, developing his signature style that bridges ancient Buddhist art and contemporary expression. His "Doji" (Child) series has become his most iconic work, symbolizing the fundamental essence of life and expressing Buddhist worldviews and animistic spirituality. Beyond wood carving, he creates bronze sculptures for public spaces, with over 100 public installations across Japan under his concept "ART FOR THE PUBLIC." In 2008, Yabuuchi gained widespread recognition as the creator of "Sento-kun," the official mascot for Nara's 1300th anniversary celebration. He served as a professor at Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School of Conservation from 2004 to 2021, training the next generation of conservation specialists. In 2021, he was appointed Director of the Nara Prefectural Museum of Art and is currently Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of the Arts. He has received numerous awards including the Hirakushi Denchu Award (2003). 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.