This bronze statue of Prince Shotoku in his younger days was created by Takamura Kokun 高村光雲. It stands over 20cm tall and has a strong presence. Takamura Kokun's representative works are generally Kannon statues, but this statue of Prince Shotoku is extremely rare. This statue of Prince Shotoku is brimming with the high level of skill of Kokun, who had many disciples and trained them into famous artists. It dates back to the Meiji period, about 100 years ago. Prince Shotoku was a member of the imperial family and politician of the Asuka period. He was the second son of Emperor Yomei, and his mother was Princess Anahobe no Omihito, the daughter of Emperor Kinmei. As regent for Empress Suiko, he made many achievements, including the establishment of the Seventeen-Article Constitution and the Twelve Ranks of the Imperial Throne, dispatching envoys to the Sui Dynasty, building Horyuji Temple, and popularizing Buddhism, and had a great impact on Japan. He also made a great contribution to the development of culture through legal reform and diplomacy. It is famous for the legend that during his time as regent for Empress Suiko, he was able to distinguish the voices of 10 people at the same time. Takamura Kōun (高村 光雲, 1852–1934) was a prominent Japanese sculptor known for his contributions to modern Japanese sculpture and the revival of traditional woodcarving techniques. He is especially famous for his realistic representations of Buddhist figures and the intricate, lifelike expressions in his sculptures. Kōun was born in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the late Edo period and trained as a woodcarver from a young age. His skills flourished during the Meiji period, a time when Japan was rapidly modernizing and integrating Western art influences. Despite the influx of Western styles, Kōun remained committed to traditional Japanese artistry, particularly in Buddhist sculpture, which was declining in popularity due to Japan's modernization efforts. One of his most renowned works is the statue of "Kannon", the Bodhisattva of compassion, which showcases his expertise in merging realism with spiritual themes. He also created secular works, including carvings of animals and people, which were displayed internationally, including at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. In recognition of his artistic achievements, Takamura Kōun was appointed as a professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) and was later designated a "Teishitsu Gigeiin" (Imperial Household Artist). His influence extended through his students, notably his son Takamura Kōtarō, who became a renowned poet and sculptor in his own right. Takamura Kōun is remembered for bridging traditional Japanese sculpture with modern artistic movements, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of Japanese fine arts. Hight: 20.5 cm Width: 20.7 cm Depth: 8.7 cm Weight: 920 g Condition: The condition is generally good. There are stains, scratches, dullness, scuffs, peeling, etc. due to aging. It was stored 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. 033121020403