This bronze statue of Ryokan, who was active in the late Edo period, was created by Kitamura Seibo. The statue depicts Ryokan and a child who is fond of him. It is a very heartwarming bronze statue. 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. Seibo Kitamura (December 16, 1884 - March 4, 1987) was a Japanese sculptor from Nagasaki Prefecture. His real name was Nishimo Kitamura. In addition to his most famous work, the "Nagasaki Peace Statue" in Nagasaki Peace Park, he also created other notable sculptures such as the "Itagaki Taisuke" statue in the National Diet Building. He was awarded the Order of Culture. Seibo Kitamura passed away in 1987 at the age of 104. He was a recipient of the Order of Culture and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, as well as being designated as a Person of Cultural Merit. In recognition of Seibo's achievements, the Japan Sculptors Association established an award named the "Seibo Kitamura Award" (Seibo Award) for the best work at the association's exhibitions. High: 36.5 cm Width: 23.6 cm Depth: 13.2 cm Weight: 6500 g Condition: The condition is generally good. There is no noticeable damage, but there may be small scratches, stains, scuffs, peeling, etc. It was stored at home. There are also 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. 101222401015