Vintage Japanese Kome Jiichi Muga Doji Bronze Takaoka Selflessness Child For Sale

Vintage Japanese Kome Jiichi Muga Doji Bronze Takaoka Selflessness Child Vintage Japanese Kome Jiichi Muga Doji Takaoka Bronze Okimono

A striking Japanese bronze okimono depicting Muga Dōji (無我童子), the "Selflessness Child," signed 治一 (Jiichi) by Japanese sculptor Kome Jiichi (米治一, 1896–1985).

The figure depicts a serene child in traditional Japanese robes, with finely modeled hair, facial features, sandals, robe folds and sash details. The sculpture has an unusual silver-gray/iron-color surface with contrasting warm gold-toned areas, along with extensive natural-looking surface variation and finish wear that give the piece considerable character.

The subject, Muga Dōji, derives from the concept of Muga ("selflessness"), associated with Yokoyama Taikan's famous painting Muga. Kome Jiichi produced sculptural interpretations of the subject, and a currently documented Takaoka version is listed at approximately 29 cm high, 16 cm wide and 10 cm deep, closely matching this example.

Artist

Kome Jiichi (米治一), 1896–1985, was a prominent Japanese sculptor and bronze modeller associated with Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, one of Japan's historic centers of copper and bronze craftsmanship. He studied sculpture at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and studied under the celebrated sculptor Takamura Kōun before returning to Takaoka, where he became closely associated with the region's bronze tradition. His documented works include figures, animals, Buddhist subjects, monumental sculpture and decorative bronzes.

The artist's documented signatures include 米治一 and the abbreviated 治一, the latter corresponding to the mark found on this sculpture.

Material & Finish

Japanese documentation for a large Muga Dōji by Kome Jiichi identifies the body material as copper and the finish as 鉄色 (iron-color). This helps explain the unusual cool gray/silver appearance of this example.

The sculpture is alsonon-magnetic, consistent with a copper/bronze-based metal.

Please examine the photographs carefully. The surface exhibits considerable mottling, patina variation and areas of finish loss/alteration throughout. These characteristics have been left visible and are part of the item's present condition. Wehave not attempted to polish or refinish the sculpture.

Dimensions

Approximately 11" H × 6.5" W × 3.91" D

Weight: 2 lbs 5.9 oz (1,075 g)

The dimensions are notably close to the documented 29 cm Kome Jiichi Muga Dōji model, which measures approximately 29 × 16 × 10 cm.

Important Attribution Note

The sculpture is signed 治一 (Jiichi) and is attributed to Kome Jiichi based on the signature, subject, form, dimensions and comparisons we reviewed with documented examples. The exact production date of this individual casting has not been established however, so it is being described conservatively as a 20th-century Japanese Takaoka bronze/copper okimono.

Please study all photographs, including the signature, underside and surface condition photographs, as they form an important part of the description.

SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions 11" H × 6.5" W × 3.91" D Weight 2 lb 5.9 oz (1,075 g) Condition

The finely modeled details remain well defined, including the facial features, hair, robe folds, sash, sandals and even the signature. There are no obvious major breaks, cracks or missing structural components observed. The sculpture is stable and displays normally for its age.

The unusual surface appearance has been left unrestored and unpolished. I believe this is preferable to attempting to remove or recreate the original finish, particularly with a signed Japanese bronze/copper sculpture.

Please review all photographs carefully. They are an integral part of the condition description and show the surface variation, finish wear, signature and underside in detail.

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Extreme care will be taken during packaging and shipping. Items tend to ship with an excessive amount of padding. Dickson Antiques strives to use recycled packaging materials wherever possible. Buyer will receive a selection of tasty imported candies. A tracking number will be provided prior to shipment.

Questions?

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© Dickson Antiques 2026 Disclaimer Item condition is reflected in the listing photos. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Dimensions: 11" H × 6.5" W × 3.91" D
Weight: 2 lb 5.9 oz (1,075 g)Vintage Japanese Kome Jiichi (1896–1985) Muga Dōji, or "Selflessness Child," Takaoka bronze/copper okimono, signed 治一 (Jiichi). Beautifully modeled child in traditional robes with silver-gray iron-color finish and contrasting gold-toned sash. Extensive age-related patina, mottling and finish variation are present and intentionally left unrestored. Non-magnetic. The subject and approximately 29 cm size correspond closely with documented Kome Jiichi examples from the Takaoka bronze tradition. Please examine all photos carefully.