Antique Japanese Jurojin Satsuma Moriage Okimono God Longevity Kutani 1880–1910 For Sale

Beautiful and highly decorative Japanese ceramic figure depicting Jurojin (Jurōjin), the traditional God of Longevity and one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, or Shichifukujin.Jurojin is portrayed as an elderly sage with a long flowing white beard, black scholar’s cap and staff. His richly ornamented ceremonial robes are covered with exceptionally detailed hand-painted decoration in deep iron red, blue, green, black, cream and gold.The robe features elaborate floral medallions, scrolling and wave-like patterns, geometric ornament and extensive raised enamel/moriage-style detailing. Gilded accents appear throughout the clothing, hat and decorative borders, giving the figure a particularly rich appearance.The face is especially well modeled, with individually defined eyebrows, eyes, mustache and beard creating a wonderfully expressive character.The figure appears to be Japanese Satsuma/Kutani-style export pottery. The buff-colored ceramic body, crackled glazed surfaces, overglaze enameling, raised decoration and extensive gilding are characteristic of Japanese decorative ceramics made for both domestic and export markets during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.The underside is unmarked and has an unglazed recessed center with a firing/vent hole. Because there is no maker’s signature or kiln mark, the exact workshop cannot be definitively identified. Stylistically, the piece appears consistent with late Meiji to early 20th-century Japanese production, although the date should be considered an attribution rather than a documented manufacturing date.Jurojin developed from the Chinese longevity deity Shouxing and traditionally represents longevity, wisdom and the blessings of a long life. He is commonly depicted with his staff, sometimes accompanied by a scroll, deer, crane or tortoise — all imagery associated with longevity.A striking Japanese ceramic okimono with excellent display presence and unusually elaborate surface decoration. An appealing piece for collectors of Japanese ceramics, Satsuma ware, Kutani-style pottery, moriage, Asian antiques, Shichifukujin and Japanese mythological figures.DETAILS:• Subject: Jurojin / Jurōjin
• Japanese name: 寿老人
• Theme: God of Longevity / Seven Lucky Gods
• Origin: Japan
• Type: Figurine / Statue / Okimono
• Material: Glazed ceramic / pottery / stoneware
• Decoration: Polychrome overglaze enamel
• Technique: Raised moriage-style enamel and hand-painted decoration
• Finish: Extensive gilt / gold-colored decoration
• Colors: Iron red, blue, green, black, cream, white and gold
• Maker: Unknown
• Signed: No
• Base: Unmarked with firing/vent hole
• Period: Likely late Meiji / early 20th century, attribution
• Original/Reproduction: Vintage/antique Japanese decorative ceramic
• Country of Origin: Japan