Item Description 瑞峰堂（Zuihodo） Zuiho Standing Bull — Masterwork in Takaoka Bronze Casting This magnificent standing bull sculpture (Tachi-ushi) is a work by Zuiho, the celebrated studio name (go) of Zuihodo, one of Toyama Prefecture's most distinguished bronze casting ateliers based in the traditional craft city of Takaoka. The piece is executed in cast bronze (seido/seidoki) using the time-honored Takaoka casting tradition — a craft with over 400 years of history that accounts for more than 90% of Japan's total bronze production. The bull is depicted in a powerful standing pose, rendered with exceptional anatomical precision and artistic sensitivity. The musculature of the shoulders, haunches, and chest is beautifully articulated through smooth, flowing surfaces that reflect the expert polishing characteristic of Takaoka ware. Subtle engraved grass-pattern motifs decorate the flanks, adding decorative depth and evoking the pastoral world of the animal. The rich dark brown patina — achieved through traditional chemical finishing — deepens the sense of weight and gravitas. The sculpture is accompanied by its original paulownia wood storage box (kiri-bako), which bears hand-brushed calligraphy reading "立牛" (Tachi-ushi / Standing Bull) and "瑞峰作" (Zuiho-saku / Made by Zuiho), along with the maker's red seal stamp — a hallmark of authenticity for Japanese art bronzes. A separate enclosed pamphlet from Zuihodo details the studio's history, casting methods, and accolades. In Japanese tradition, the ox or bull is a symbol of diligence, perseverance, and steady fortune. A bronze bull in the home or workplace is considered an auspicious object bringing strength and prosperity. This piece would make a distinguished display object for collectors of Japanese metalwork, Asian art, or Meiji/Showa-era decorative bronzes. Size Height: 11 cm Width: 23 cm Depth: 10 cm Weight 1,244 g Condition The sculpture is in excellent overall condition with a well-preserved dark brown patina and no chips or cracks; minor traces of verdigris are visible on the hooves, consistent with natural bronze aging. Artist Profile 瑞峰堂 Zuihodo — Zuiho (go: Zuiho / Taiho) Zuihodo is a distinguished Takaoka bronze casting studio based in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, the heart of Japan's traditional bronze industry. Operating under the studio names (go) "Zuiho" and "Taiho" (trademark registration no. 1409463), the atelier was born in Takaoka — a city renowned as the birthplace of Japanese bronze casting dating back over 400 years to the Edo period. Working across a wide range of casting techniques including lost-wax (mishigata), sand casting, and die-casting, Zuihodo has produced works in bronze, iron, aluminum, and other metals. The studio's pieces are informed by both traditional craftsmanship and innovative design sensibility, with the stated mission of bringing elegance and refinement to everyday life. Among the studio's notable achievements: the 18th Takaoka Industrial Promotion Exhibition Director's Prize (1974); multiple Governor's Commendation Awards (1980–1981); the Grand Prize at the 7th Takaoka Traditional Industry General Exhibition (1981); the production of 71 bronze portrait statues of 1.85 meters for the Japan Ship Promotion Association chairman Ry-ichi Sasagawa at 71 locations nationwide (1981–1983); and a donated 11-meter Kannon of Peace to the Takaoka Regional Industry Center (1983). The studio was also selected for the Toyama Prefecture Traditional Industry Craft Exhibition in June 1983. 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.