Meiji Japanese Kutani Moriage Porcelain Kannon on Dragon Figurine, 1890s

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An exceptional antique Japanese Kutani porcelain sculpture of Kannon, or Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, created during the Meiji period, … Read more An exceptional antique Japanese Kutani porcelain sculpture of Kannon, or Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, created during the Meiji period, circa 1890–1910. She is modelled standing above clouds and waves on a sea dragon, her companion in this dragon-riding manifestation of Kannon.

Her raised open right hand forms the abhaya mudra, the "fear not" gesture of reassurance and protection. The painted rolled scroll in her left hand represents Buddhist teaching.

The robe is richly decorated in moriage, with raised enamel dots and sculptural slip scrollwork. Its palette of liquid gold, deep cobalt blue, sage green, iron-red terracotta and white enamel creates a vivid jewel-like effect. Large polished gilt roundels recur at the shoulders, forehead and reverse of the mantle, representing the sacred nirin, a double halo of cosmic radiance evoking the sun and moon.

The gold discs are finished with fine raised "Kinchibu" dotting. These relief points protect the gilding from abrasion and catch the light, allowing the halos to gleam from changing angles. This Meiji Kutani okimono is distinguished by its dragon-riding composition and particularly dense moriage decoration, combining Buddhist symbolism with accomplished Japanese porcelain work.

Dimensions: Height: 26 cm. Width: 13.5 cm. Depth: 15.5 cm. Weight: 1,105 g.

Condition: Very good antique condition. There is minimal wear to the gilding and one small enamel chip; otherwise the figure is in excellent antique condition. Examined under UV light. See less