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ID #SA1212000
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Japanese Kutani Figure of Kannon (Guanyin), Goddess of Mercy, C.1920
Ritas Bazaar
for sale €468     $508
£400

Ritas Bazaar

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2025
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Id #SA1212000
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Japanese Kutani Figure of Kannon (Guanyin), Goddess of Mercy, C.1920

1900 - 1920
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

A finely modelled Japanese Kutani porcelain figure of Kannon (Guanyin), dating to circa 1920. This elegant export-period figure portrays the Goddess of Mercy standing in a composed frontal pose, holding a ceremonial bowl associated with blessing and spiritual compassion.

The figure is decorated in the richly ornamental Kutani export tradition, with dense polychrome enamelling, raised moriage-style decoration and extensive gilding. Particularly notable is the dark midnight-blue to near-black robe ground, a less common palette within Kutani wares, giving the figure unusual visual depth and presence.

The facial modelling is especially refined, with serene expression, softly lowered eyes and a richly gilt headdress. Raised enamel ornament imitating embroidered ceremonial textiles enhances the sculptural and decorative sophistication.

The underside bears the red “Made in Japan” export mark, consistent with early 20th-century export production.

This figure combines devotional significance, unusual decorative richness and strong cabinet presence, making it especially desirable to collectors of Japanese export ceramics.

Dimensions:

Height: 24 cm

Width: 8 cm

Depth: 8 cm

Weight: 528 g

Condition:

Minimal wear to gilding consistent with age, otherwise excellent antique condition.

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.

Physical Dimensions
Height
24cm (9.45")
Width
8cm (3.15")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Japanese Kutani Kannon Figure to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1212000
Dealers Internal Reference
B1716
Description
A finely modelled Japanese Kutani porcelain figure of Kannon (Guanyin), dating to circa 1920.
This elegant export-period figure portrays the Goddess of Mercy standing in a composed frontal pose, holding a ceremonial bowl associated with blessing and spiritual compassion.
Ritas Bazaar
fig 1. A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face.
fig 1. Japanese Kutani Figure of Kannon (Guanyin), Goddess of Mercy, C.1920

The figure is decorated in the richly ornamental Kutani export tradition, with dense polychrome enamelling, raised moriage-style decoration and extensive gilding. Particularly notable is the dark midnight-blue to near-black robe ground, a less common palette within Kutani wares, giving the figure unusual visual depth and presence.

fig 2. A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face.
fig 2. Japanese Kutani Figure of Kannon (Guanyin), Goddess of Mercy, C.1920

The facial modelling is especially refined, with serene expression, softly lowered eyes and a richly gilt headdress. Raised enamel ornament imitating embroidered ceremonial textiles enhances the sculptural and decorative sophistication.

fig 3. A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face.
fig 3. Japanese Kutani Figure of Kannon (Guanyin), Goddess of Mercy, C.1920

The underside bears the red “Made in Japan” export mark, consistent with early 20th-century export production.

This figure combines devotional significance, unusual decorative richness and strong cabinet presence, making it especially desirable to collectors of Japanese export ceramics.

fig 4. A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face.
fig 4. Japanese Kutani Figure of Kannon (Guanyin), Goddess of Mercy, C.1920

Dimensions:

Height: 24 cm

Width: 8 cm

Depth: 8 cm

Weight: 528 g

Condition:

Minimal wear to gilding consistent with age, otherwise excellent antique condition.

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.

Height
24cm (9.45")
Width
8cm (3.15")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Japanese Kutani Kannon Figure to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1212000
Dealers Internal Ref
B1716
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

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A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face.
1 / 7
Archive I A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face.

Japanese Kutani Figure of Kannon (Guanyin), Goddess of Mercy, C.1920

Archive II A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face. View II
Archive III A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face. View III
Archive IV A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face. View IV
Archive V A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face. View V
Archive VI A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face. View VI
Archive VII A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 223
Items Sold 37
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
223
Sold
37
A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face.
Japanese Kutani Figure of Kannon (Guanyin), Goddess of Mercy, c.1920
Ref: SA1212000
A standing Japanese Kutani porcelain figurine of Kannon with detailed black and gold enamelled robes and a white glazed face.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
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 Ishikawa prefecture in Japan and is renowned for its vivid polychrome overglaze enamels and elaborate gilded detailing. Early Kutani styles emerged in the seventeenth century, with later revivals in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries producing detailed figures and decorative wares for domestic and export markets.

Figures were cast from fine kaolin clay, fired at high temperatures to produce hard-paste porcelain, and subsequently painted by hand. Artisans applied heavy polychrome enamelsoften using moriage raised glaze techniquesand finished the piece with gold leaf or liquid gold accents prior to a final muffling fire.

Authentic pieces generally feature hand-applied raised enamel decoration, finely detailed facial painting, and character marks or inscriptions on the underside. Additionally, genuine early twentieth-century Kutani exhibits gentle wear to the gilt edges or base along with subtle variations characteristic of hand craftsmanship.

A porcelain figure serves as a focal point when placed on a minimalist bookshelf, console table, or fireplace mantelpiece. Pairing it with natural materials such as dark timber furniture or stone surfaces creates a balanced contrast between ornate historical craftsmanship and modern simplicity.

Dust the figure gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth or camel-hair brush to avoid scratching the fragile overglaze enamels and gilding. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive pads, or immersing the piece in water, as moisture can compromise delicate surface decoration.
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