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ID #SA1167089
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Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of a Bijin with Drum, Meiji Period C. 1890
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €410     $445
£350
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of a Bijin with Drum, Meiji Period C. 1890

19th century
Description

An antique Japanese porcelain figure, attributed to the Kutani school (Ishikawa), depicting a bijin in a dark-blue kimono holding a small shime-daiko. Decorated in polychrome overglaze enamels with gilding; the cobalt ground carries sakura and asanoha motifs, with white reserves painted as miniature landscapes. The carefully drawn facial features and refined shimada hairstyle are characteristic of well-executed Meiji export porcelain. Underside unmarked, as is typical for early exports. A strong cabinet piece combining larger size, saturated palette and a sought-after musical theme.

Dimensions and weight:

Height 24.5 cm; width 8.7 cm; depth 9 cm; weight 723 g.

Condition:

Fine hairline crack above the left eyebrow; professionally retouched shoe tips; professional restoration to the neck beneath the hair, visible only under UV light. Otherwise excellent antique condition; enamels and gilding well preserved.

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 Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1167089
Description
An antique Japanese porcelain figure, attributed to the Kutani school (Ishikawa), depicting a bijin in a dark-blue kimono holding a small shime-daiko.
Decorated in polychrome overglaze enamels with gilding; the cobalt ground carries sakura and asanoha motifs, with white reserves painted as miniature landscapes.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The carefully drawn facial features and refined shimada hairstyle are characteristic of well-executed Meiji export porcelain. Underside unmarked, as is typical for early exports. A strong cabinet piece combining larger size, saturated palette and a sought-after musical theme.

fig 1. Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum.
fig 1. Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of a Bijin with Drum, Meiji Period C. 1890

Dimensions and weight:

Height 24.5 cm; width 8.7 cm; depth 9 cm; weight 723 g.

Condition:

Fine hairline crack above the left eyebrow; professionally retouched shoe tips; professional restoration to the neck beneath the hair, visible only under UV light. Otherwise excellent antique condition; enamels and gilding well preserved.

fig 2. Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum.
fig 2. Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of a Bijin with Drum, Meiji Period C. 1890

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 Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1167089
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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Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum.
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Archive I Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum.

Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of a Bijin with Drum, Meiji Period c. 1890

Archive II Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View II
Archive III Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View III
Archive IV Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View IV
Archive V Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View V
Archive VI Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View VI
Archive VII Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View VII
Archive VIII Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View VIII
Archive IX Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View IX
Archive X Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 395
Items Sold 563
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
395
Sold
563
Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum.
Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of a Bijin with Drum, Meiji Period c. 1890
Ref: SA1167089
Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of a standing lady in a cobalt blue floral kimono playing a hand drum.
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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
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 the Ishikawa prefecture in Japan and is celebrated for its polychrome enamels and detailed hand-painted iconography. During the Meiji period (18681912), production expanded significantly to meet growing international demand for Japanese decorative arts.

These figures are crafted from kaolin clay fused at high temperatures and decorated with overglaze enamels known as fukai-de. The colour palette typically incorporates cobalt blue, iron red, green, yellow, purple, and gilt highlights applied over the glazed surface.

Authentic Meiji Kutani features fine detail in facial expressions, intricate textile patterns on garments, and hand-applied gilt accents that exhibit natural age-related wear. Painted black or red Japanese maker marks or signatures are often present on the underside of the base.

A porcelain sculpture acts as a focal point when placed on a dark wood sideboard, inside a glazed cabinet, or alongside curated ceramics on a bookshelf. The deep cobalt hues contrast effectively against neutral walls or minimalist settings.

Dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth or dry brush to avoid disturbing painted surfaces or gilding. Avoid using abrasive chemical cleaners, harsh detergents, or submerging the piece in water, as moisture can compromise delicate overglaze enamels.
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