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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1136351
FOR SALE
£400
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Rare Japanese Kutani Moriage Figurine – Meiji-taisho Period, C.1900
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €468     $508
£400
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Id #SA1136351
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Rare Japanese Kutani Moriage Figurine – Meiji-taisho Period, C.1900

1900 - 1920
Description

A rare and expressive Japanese ceramic figurine executed in the Kutani Moriage style, dating to the end of the Meiji or beginning of the Taisho period (circa 1900). The sculpture represents a scholarly or theatrical character, possibly an actor, depicted with dramatic facial expression and lively posture. This genre of figural export ware was popular among Western collectors during Japan’s late 19th to early 20th century.

The figure is adorned with richly ornamented robes decorated in traditional motifs such as chrysanthemums and stylized waves (seigaiha), all rendered in a vivid polychrome palette with red, black, turquoise, and green enamels, accented with thickly applied raised gold (moriage). The face, beard, and hair are executed with exceptional detail. The body form and surface painting point clearly to high-quality Kutani export production from the Kaga region.

One hand likely held a now-lost attribute, possibly a fan or scroll, which does not detract from the overall integrity and appeal of the figure.

Measurements: Height 25 cm, Width 17 cm, Depth 10 cm, Weight 1241 g

Condition: Very good antique condition. Minor wear to the gilding, missing handheld item. No cracks, restorations, or chips.

Free shipping. Item will be professionally packaged and fully insured.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Japanese Kutani Moriage Figurine to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1136351
Description
A rare and expressive Japanese ceramic figurine executed in the Kutani Moriage style, dating to the end of the Meiji or beginning of the Taisho period (circa 1900).
“
The sculpture represents a scholarly or theatrical character, possibly an actor, depicted with dramatic facial expression and lively posture.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

This genre of figural export ware was popular among Western collectors during Japan’s late 19th to early 20th century.

fig 1. A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing.
fig 1. Rare Japanese Kutani Moriage Figurine – Meiji-taisho Period, C.1900

The figure is adorned with richly ornamented robes decorated in traditional motifs such as chrysanthemums and stylized waves (seigaiha), all rendered in a vivid polychrome palette with red, black, turquoise, and green enamels, accented with thickly applied raised gold (moriage). The face, beard, and hair are executed with exceptional detail. The body form and surface painting point clearly to high-quality Kutani export production from the Kaga region.

fig 2. A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing.
fig 2. Rare Japanese Kutani Moriage Figurine – Meiji-taisho Period, C.1900

One hand likely held a now-lost attribute, possibly a fan or scroll, which does not detract from the overall integrity and appeal of the figure.

Measurements: Height 25 cm, Width 17 cm, Depth 10 cm, Weight 1241 g

Condition: Very good antique condition. Minor wear to the gilding, missing handheld item. No cracks, restorations, or chips.

Free shipping. Item will be professionally packaged and fully insured.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Japanese Kutani Moriage Figurine to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1136351
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing.
1 / 10
Archive I A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing.

Rare Japanese Kutani Moriage Figurine – Meiji-taisho Period, C.1900

Archive II A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View II
Archive III A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View III
Archive IV A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View IV
Archive V A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View V
Archive VI A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View VI
Archive VII A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View VII
Archive VIII A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View VIII
Archive IX A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View IX
Archive X A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
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A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing.
Rare Japanese Kutani Moriage Figurine – Meiji-Taisho Period, c.1900
Ref: SA1136351
A Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine depicting a bearded male figure in a red and gold patterned robe with raised moriage enamel detailing.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

Kutani moriage refers to Japanese porcelain decorated using a technique where thick liquid clay slip is piped onto the surface before enamelling and gilding, creating a raised, three-dimensional tactile relief. This decorative technique gained widespread international popularity during the Meiji and Taisho eras.

These figurines were crafted from refined white porcelain clay, painted with polychrome overglaze enamels, and detailed with hand-applied clay slip. Fine gold leaf or liquid gold was regularly painted onto garment trims and decorative patterns to add contrast and texture.

Authentic period pieces feature hand-painted brushwork, natural wear to the gilded edges, and frequently bear iron-red or painted Kutani marks on the underside. The high quality of the slip application and substantial weight of the porcelain also distinguish period examples from modern cast imitations.

Intricately detailed Japanese figures work effectively as focal decorative objects on a dark wood console table, a mantelpiece, or inside a glass display cabinet. Placing them against neutral wall tones allows the vibrant enamels and raised textures to stand out in both traditional and modern settings.

Dust the item gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush to prevent disturbing the raised slipwork or delicate gilding. Avoid immersion in water, detergent sprays, or abrasive cloths, as moisture and chemicals can degrade unfired or delicate overglaze enamels.
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