A lovely patinated bronze model of a reclining cow by Hiroshi Murata 村田宏 (1936–?). The sculpture is cast in a naturalistic manner, depicting the animal resting peacefully on the ground. One front leg is extended while the others are tucked alongside the body. The tail curves gently along the front, and the head is slightly tilted. The reverse bears a seal reading Hiroshi 宏. Hiroshi Murata worked at the Takaoka City Metal Technology Institute from 1952 to 1968, where he taught casting techniques and design within the copperware industry. In 1958, he received a Nitten Award and subsequently exhibited at the Nitten exhibition on multiple occasions. A few years later, he served as a judge for the Nitten exhibition. In 1964, he won first prize at the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition and was selected there several times thereafter. The sculpture is placed on an oval display stand 台 (dai), raised on four comma-shaped feet. The surface of the stand is carved with two large arched floral motifs enveloping the cow. Dimensions (without base): Height 13 cm, width 28 cm, depth 14 cm. Weight 2612 grams. Base: Width 45.5 cm, depth 21 cm, height 5.7 cm. Period: Japan - Second half Shôwa period (1950s-1980s) In very good condition, with minimal traces of age. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition. When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.