Denchu Hirakushi was born in Nishi-Ebara Village, Atetsu District, Okayama Prefecture (present-day Ibara City) in 1872 (Meiji 5). At the age of 21, he became a disciple of a doll maker in Osaka and learned traditional wood carving techniques. Later, he was taught by Okakura Tenshin. He was a sculptor who became a professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1944 (Showa 19) and remained active until his death at the age of 107 in 1979 (Showa 54). "Kagami-jishi," which took 22 years to complete, modeled after the sixth Onoe Kikugoro, is known as a masterpiece. It is a traditional wooden figure, characterized by a long beard, a staff, and a smiling expression. Size: Width: Approximately 8 x 5.2 cm; Height: Approximately 16 cm - Material: Wood - Design: Traditional figure - Features: Long beard and staff - Engraving on the back: Denchu Hirakushi (the artist's signature) - Expression: Smiling Condition: See images. *Please be aware of age-related wear, scratches, and stains.* Thank you for viewing.