Samurai Figure Sculpture in Hand-Painted Porcelain, Japan, 1920s

Samurai figure sculpture, hand-painted porcelain, Showa Style, 1920- Japan

Extraordinary and large samurai in hand-painted porcelain, made in the first quarter of the 20th century in Japan. This magnificent warrior wears the characteristic habit of the Edo period (1603-1868), when the Tokugawa family ruled Japan in its capital, Edo (present-day Tokyo).

This porcelain is hand painted with high aesthetic criteria. The polychrome, in addition to presenting relief, is brightly colored, with red, yellow and blue and, above all, gold drawing attention.

This samurai appears dressed in gala clothes, he is not prepared for battle because he lacks a helmet. He is serene, with his face painted with oshiroi, a white powder makeup base traditionally used. However, what is most striking is the exceptional representation of the armor, since the degree of detail is very high. Each part is perfectly differentiated (kote, sode, etc.) but two are the protagonists: the chest part (dō) and the protection of the hips (kusazuri). Dō is a chest armor made of steel or leather plates of various sizes, in this case, featuring a large golden flower. The protection of the hips (kusazuri) is made of plates that hang, both from the front and back, and present, in this case, an exquisite red color.

The samurai emerged as a class of warriors in feudal Japan and dominated the country for almost eight centuries (8th to 19th centuries). Being a samurai was a social prestige and he occupied the highest positions within the Japanese military dictatorship, called the shogunate or bakufu. Initially, the samurai's role was to collect taxes and serve the Empire. Since the 10th century, the figure of the samurai takes shape and gains a series of military functions, reaching its peak in the 17th century.

Extraordinary collector's item.

Good condition according to its age and use.

Dimensions: 61 x 43 x 17 cm.