The traditional symbolism of the okimono is taken from the famous Buddhist story of the ten bulls, which illustrates the ten stages of a practitioner's progression towards the purification of the mind and enlightenment. In the story, the wild ox symbolizes the inferior nature that the boy must capture and subdue. The boy now sits upon the calm ox. The struggle is over. Ishizaki Shuho was born in Toyama Prefecture in 1917, he is a craftsman who works as a foundry worker for Takaoka bronze ware and is also a Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) artist. His works are known for expressing a texture in bronze that resembles the chisel marks of wood carving. In addition to Buddhist art such as the Kannon statue in a half-seated water vase, Daikokuten statue, and Ebisu statue, he also creates a wide variety of bronze sculptures with animal motifs such as Muga Doji, the Married Lion Couple, and the Great Dharma Elephant. He has also created several works based on the theme of the Seven Lucky Gods. Dimensions: 34 x 10 x 24,5 cm weight: 4,8 kg Very good condition, there are minor signs of wear from age and normal use, marks, scratches, dirt; please, take a look at pictures for actual condition. Registered shipping with tracking number, well packed for safe and fast delivering!