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ID #SA1152954
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Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of Kannon on Shishi, Early Meiji, C.1870
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €936     $1,016
£800
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of Kannon on Shishi, Early Meiji, C.1870

19th century
Description

A finely modelled Japanese Kutani porcelain figure of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, seated on a cobalt-glazed shishi. Made in Japan circa 1870 during the early Meiji period. The serene face and soft contours reflect the temple sculpture style of Kanazawa, the historic centre of Kutani kilns. Kannon holds a ruyi scepter, a symbol of wisdom and fulfilment, adding a spiritual and protective dimension to the piece. The lion is rendered in deep Kutani blue, with a finely detailed mane and gentle expression. The unglazed base reveals hand-forming and porous clay, typical of early low-refined Kutani porcelain.

Condition: excellent antique condition with minimal enamel wear. No chips, cracks or repairs.

Dimensions: Height 19 cm, Width 20 cm, Depth 15 cm, Weight 1247 grams.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Kutani Porcelain Kannon Figure to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1152954
Description
A finely modelled Japanese Kutani porcelain figure of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, seated on a cobalt-glazed shishi. Made in Japan circa 1870 during the early Meiji period.
The serene face and soft contours reflect the temple sculpture style of Kanazawa, the historic centre of Kutani kilns.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Kannon holds a ruyi scepter, a symbol of wisdom and fulfilment, adding a spiritual and protective dimension to the piece. The lion is rendered in deep Kutani blue, with a finely detailed mane and gentle expression. The unglazed base reveals hand-forming and porous clay, typical of early low-refined Kutani porcelain.

fig 1. A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes.
fig 1. Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of Kannon on Shishi, Early Meiji, C.1870

Condition: excellent antique condition with minimal enamel wear. No chips, cracks or repairs.

Dimensions: Height 19 cm, Width 20 cm, Depth 15 cm, Weight 1247 grams.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Kutani Porcelain Kannon Figure to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1152954
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 figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes.
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Archive I A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes.

Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of Kannon on Shishi, Early Meiji, C.1870

Archive II A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes. View II
Archive III A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes. View III
Archive IV A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes. View IV
Archive V A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes. View V
Archive VI A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes. View VI
Archive VII A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes. View VII
Archive VIII A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
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
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
564
A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes.
Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of Kannon on Shishi, Early Meiji, c.1870
Ref: SA1152954
A Japanese Kutani porcelain figure depicting the deity Kannon seated atop a reclined blue shishi lion with detailed polychrome enamelled robes.
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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Kutani porcelain originates from Ishikawa prefecture in Japan and gained international prominence during the Meiji period (18681912) due to increased export trade. It is characteristically decorated with overglaze enamels, intricate figurative details, and gilding, frequently depicting deities or mythological subjects.

These figures are crafted from hard-paste porcelain clay, fired at high temperatures, and subsequently decorated using multi-coloured overglaze enamels and gold leaf highlights. The palette frequently features rich cobalt blue, red, green, and hand-painted metallic accents.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit hand-applied polychrome enamel decoration, subtle age-related wear to gilding, and detailed sculptural modelling. Base marks or painted inscriptions often indicate Kutani workshops or artisan signatures from the late nineteenth century.

A sculptural porcelain figure serves as a distinct decorative accent on a wooden sideboard, console table, or open bookshelf. Positioning the saturated blue hues and polychrome enamels against neutral walls or dark wood surfaces creates a strong visual contrast.

Dust the figure gently using a soft microfibre cloth or dry brush to protect delicate overglaze enamels and gilding. Avoid chemical cleaning agents, abrasive cloths, or submerging the object in water to prevent damage to surface painted layers.
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