This is a bronze statue of Ryokan, who was active in the late Edo period. The author is Hiroyuki Mogi 茂木弘行. Ryōkan (1758–1831) was a Zen monk, calligrapher, and poet from the late Edo period. Despite being a Sōtō school monk, he shunned social status and fame, living a life of simplicity and closeness to nature. His way of life and poetry embody the spirit of "wu wei" (non-action in harmony with nature), which continues to inspire people today. Born into a prominent family, Ryōkan rejected worldly concerns and became a monk. He gave up all titles and privileges, finding joy in playing with children. Although a gifted poet of Chinese and Japanese verse, he led an honest, carefree life, owning no temple and wandering freely. A famous anecdote is his love for playing hide-and-seek with children—he once remained hidden even after the children had gone home. Ryokan's way of life can be summed up in one word: "poverty," a life of restraint against excessive desires and a simple life. Ryōkan was born in Izumozaki, Niigata, and after completing his studies, traveled throughout Japan before fully committing to Zen practice. Instead of residing in a temple, he lived among the common people, leading a humble life. His poetry and calligraphy reflect his deep affection for nature, animals, and children. His works, including Chinese poems and waka (traditional Japanese poems), as well as his playful demeanor, are iconic of his personality and beliefs. Ryōkan’s writing is rooted in Zen wisdom, focusing on peace, love, and compassion, expressed in a simple, accessible style that resonates with people even today. His life and works symbolize the pursuit of spiritual richness over material desires, and his calligraphy and poetry continue to be cherished by many. Hiroyuki Mogi (born 1945) is a Japanese sculptor. He graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School. He is from Niigata Prefecture. High: 34.1 cm Width: 12.1 cm Depth: 9.6 cm Weight: 2100 g Condition: The condition is generally good. There is no significant damage. There are scratches, stains, scuffs, peeling, discoloration, dents, and wear. It has been stored at home. Many photos are included, so please take a look. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase. Shipping: The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan. We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding. 032322480326