This bronze statue of a young horse, "Young Star" by Hiroshi Murata, depicts a young horse running energetically. The work is striking, capturing the sense of speed and dynamism of its energetic running. It was produced between 1968 and the late 1970s. Hiroshi Murata (1936-) A leading figure in Japanese bronze casting, renowned for his precision casting and engraving techniques, he is an artist active in Takaoka, Japan. He is particularly skilled at expressing the dynamism and life of animals. Bronze works created in Takaoka are called Takaoka copperware. This traditional craft, crafted using copper and bronze, has a history of over 400 years in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. Its diverse range includes Buddhist altar fittings, vases, and tea ceremony utensils, as well as temple bells and bronze statues. It is characterized by beautiful coloring that makes use of rust and the high level of craftsmanship achieved through division of labor. During the Meiji period, this copperware was internationally acclaimed at events such as the Paris World's Fair, and became Japan's leading copperware producer. Includes a hand-signed original box. The condition is almost as it was when stored in the box. The lighter is for comparison. I don't smoke, so the piece doesn't smell. Relax. Dimensions: Height 23cm, Width 41x9cm, Weight 3820g Weight with original box: 1100g Total weight: 4920g