This exquisite cast iron sculpture captures the serene and contemplative presence of Muga Dōji (Child of Selflessness), a figure famously depicted by renowned Nihonga painter Yokoyama Taikan (横山大観) in his iconic work titled 無我 (Muga, or “Selflessness”).
無我 (Muga) represents the ideal of ego-less purity in Zen and Buddhist philosophy — a return to innocence and unity with nature. The child’s peaceful expression and modest posture reflect this concept, offering a moment of calm and reflection.
米治一 (こめじ いち / Komeji Ichi) was a Japanese sculptor and metalwork artist born on January 17, 1896 (Meiji 29) in Yokota‑machi, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. He passed away on February 4, 1985 at the age of 89.
After graduating from Tokyo Art School (東京美術学校, later Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music) in sculpture, he returned to Takaoka and devoted his life to producing works in bronze and cast metal — including figures, animals, and decorative art. He studied under famed sculptor 高村光雲 (Kōun Takamura) and became one of the leading artists associated with Takaoka metal crafts (高岡銅器).
