Rare nineteenth-century Japanese ceramic figurine - Shoki...

Rare nineteenth-century Japanese ceramic figurine - Shoki (鐘馗 / Zhong Kui) and the maiden Description / Extraordinary and rare Japanese ceramic sculpture dating from the 19th century, depicting the famous and powerful mythical deity Shoki (钟馗 / Zhong Kui), the ruthless demon hunter and guardian against malevolent spirits, alongside a graceful maiden (court lady). The History and the Subject In Asian tradition, Shoki is a legendary figure endowed with great strength and a formidable appearance, but noted for his deep justice and his role as a celestial guardian against adversity. In this refined artistic representation, the imposing and stern Shoki is portrayed in a moment of unusual and delicate intimacy: the refined maiden takes care of him with tenderness, creating a striking contrast between the protective strength of the deity and the grace of the female figure, finely adorned with traditional clothing rich in multicolored floral and geometric details. Details and Dimensions * Period: 19th century (Meiji period / late 19th century) * Height: 24 cm * Width: 15 cm * Material: Hand-glazed ceramic, hand-painted with gold details (traditional Kutani/Satsuma style). Conditions Overall, the sculpture presents in excellent general condition, with bright colors and decorations exceptionally preserved. * Condition note: Minor defects to the thumbs of both figures are reported. In particular, the maiden’s thumb has been restored/repaired, while Shoki’s thumb shows a small imperfection (as clearly visible in the detailed photos). Otherwise, the piece is intact and of exceptional collectible rarity. Shipping Conditions and Restrictions / ATTENTION - SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS: * Purchase strictly restricted to buyers residing in the European Union (EU). * PLEASE NOTE: Buyers outside the EU may not participate in the auction or purchase this lot. This restriction also applies to Cyprus and nearby islands. Offers from such countries will unfortunately be canceled.

Estimate:$21.01

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