Antique Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Figurine Man with Rabbits, Meiji Period (1868 -1912).

An antique porcelain hand-painted figurine of a man with two rabbits. One white rabbit peeks out from behind the lapel of the man's kimono, while another, fully painted in gold, sits by his leg. The man's kimono and hakama are richly adorned with glazed multicolored enamel and intricately hand-painted gold patterns. The attention to detail in this piece is remarkable, a testament to the skill of the old Satsuma masters, who carefully sculpted and painted the figure without overlooking a single detail, including the wrinkles on the man's forehead.

Rabbits hold a special reverence in Japanese culture, symbolizing luck, cleverness, and devotion. They are also associated with spring, birth, growth, and renewal, making the inclusion of rabbits in this figurine especially meaningful. This exquisite antique Satsuma figurine is a fine example of Japanese artistry, showcasing the delicate beauty and skilled craftsmanship characteristic of Satsuma ware. The detailed craftsmanship captures the cultural and artistic essence of the era, making this piece a remarkable collector's item that reflects the elegance and historical significance of Meiji-period porcelain. The round base is gold-plated along the perimeter, and the bottom is marked with slightly erased "Made in Japan," indicating that this piece was made specifically for export.

Satsuma ware originated in Japan during the seventeenth century, specifically in the southern regions of the island of Kyushu, in areas controlled by the Shimazu clan (Satsuma-han, officially Kagoshima and surrounding regions). Its history dates back to around 1600 when Satsuma pottery was generally plain and made from dark clay, quite different from the more elaborate pieces of the 19th century made for export to the West.

Satsuma products gained international attention around 1868, during the early Meiji Restoration, a time when Japan was opening up to the outside world. Entrepreneurs saw export as a valuable opportunity, and Satsuma ware reached the height of its popularity by the early Meiji period, around 1885. By the 1890s, however, the market became saturated with cheaper, mass-produced works that lacked the quality of earlier pieces. Despite this, Satsuma ware remained popular with the general public and continued to be produced into the 20th century, with some factories operating as late as the 1980s.

Satsuma products are highly valued in the antique porcelain market, with increasing demand in recent years.

Dimensions: height 18 cm, diameter base 7.3 cm, weight 351 grams.

Condition: slight loss of gilding and paint, small firing crack on the back of the left foot - otherwise all excellent.

Please review the accompanying photographs carefully, as they are an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.