This is a figurine of a cow made by Isokichi Asakura. Its title is "Returning to the Village 里に帰る." It depicts a person riding on top of the cow. Made of ceramic, it's a charming figurine. Neither the cow's face nor the person's face is intricately sculpted, yet the vague atmosphere it exudes is very soft and gentle. I think it would look lovely placed anywhere in a room or at the entrance. Asakura Isokichiwas a Japanese ceramic artist and a selected artist of Kutani ware. His real name was Yosaku. In 1981, he received the Japan Art Academy Award. In 1984, he became a member of the Japan Art Academy, and in 1992, he was designated as a Person of Cultural Merit. In 1996, he became the first Kutani ware artist to receive the Order of Culture. In 1993, the Asakura Isokichi Museum of Art was opened in his hometown of Terai Town. On April 9, 1998, he passed away due to respiratory failure at Kanazawa University Hospital. He was 85 years old. Kutani-yaki 九谷焼： Kutani-yaki is said to have been first fired in 1655 in Kutani Village, Echizen County, Kaga Province, during the early Edo period. It was commissioned by Maeda Toshitsugu, the lord of Oyamazaki Castle, to Gotō Saizaburō, a potter in his domain. Kutani-yaki is characterized by its richly colored glazes and bold, vigorous painting, distinguishing it from other overglaze enamel ceramics. Kutani-yaki is a traditional Japanese ceramic ware produced in the Kutani region of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. This region is particularly renowned and is one of the "Three Great Kilns of Japan," alongside Iga-yaki and Shino-yaki. Kutani-yaki is known for its beautiful hand-painted designs and distinctive techniques. One prominent feature is the use of vibrant glazes to depict intricate patterns, landscapes, flora, and fauna. Additionally, gold and silver leaf may be applied, adding further elegance to the pottery. The pottery comes in various shapes and serves different purposes, including tea bowls, vases, plates, teacups, and teapots. These ceramic wares are widely appreciated both within Japan and internationally, often chosen as souvenirs or gifts. Kutani-yaki boasts a long history, thriving during the Edo period. Even today, traditional methods are preserved, while contemporary artists continue to incorporate new art and design into their creations. Figurine Width 25.0 cm Depth 10.5 cm Height 16.5 cm Weight 600 g Box Width 28.3 cm Depth 12.5 cm Height 21.2 cm Total Weight 2200 g Condition: Condition is good. There are almost no small scratches, dirt, peeling, or abrasions. I kept it at home. There are many photos, 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. 040121240413