$340.00
Very soft clay modeled in a mold and fired at low heat. Painted with gofun (ground eggshell producing the white color), natural/mineral pigments and gold, applied after the figure has cooled. The soles of the paws are left uncolored (light brown)
Japan, Meiji era, about 1900.
H 7.4 x L 7 x W 3.25 in.
The black and white of the dog’s fur is soiled, rubbed, and somewhat crumbling and fragile, showing partially the underlying brown clay, some touch-ups in the black areas; all in all, in good, stable condition
Clay dolls – kawara ningyo - have been produced in large quantities all over Japan at least since the early Edo period. They were made as toys and souvenirs for travelers. Clay was hand-modeled or put in molds to make different shapes, which were fired at a low heat. Subsequently, each figurine was painted with bright (mineral/natural) colors. It is a craft, mingei or folk art, with regional differences in colors and subject matter. In Koga, Nagasaki, the subject was mostly figures related to the foreigner traders that were living in the Nagasaki area, such as Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch, but also monkeys and other animals.
In the early days, a large variety of models were made. Although the dolls are still made today, the number of different models has been reduced.
$600.00
Potter’s mark on the belly.
Japan, late 1700s.
H ca 1.25 x W ca 3 in.
Some of the gold rubbed, split in clay caused by firing at the rim of the lower section, which does not impact the stability of the piece. All in all very good condition
From the collection of Sandra Saltzman, New York
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H 19-1/2 x W 6-1/2 x D 9 inches.
One tail restored, key broken and partially replaced for the sake of symmetry, few chips. All in all excellent condition.
$300.00
Height 5 ¾ inches (14.9 cm).
Black glaze dull, showing water streaks, one chip on back of one of the loop handles, some dirt residue. Otherwise good condition.