Vintage Japanese Karako Okimono Porcelain Figurine, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-056

Vintage Japanese Karako Okimono Porcelain Figurine, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-056

A plump, cheerful karako child rendered in richly hand-painted porcelain -- a rare signed okimono with its original wooden storage box.

An okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative ornament made purely for display, and this exceptional example depicts a karako -- a chubby, round-faced Chinese-style child -- seated in a relaxed posture with legs tucked beneath its body. The style is closely associated with Kaga ware, a regional ceramic tradition celebrated for its lavish overglaze enamel decoration. The figure's cream-white body is left largely unadorned to highlight the glossy, voluminous form, while the large square headscarf that drapes over the child is painted on every panel with vivid polychrome designs: bold red and green medallions and spiral motifs on the crown, red-and-yellow diamond lattice on the sides, and lush peony and foliate sprays rendered in coral red, soft blue-grey, and rich green to the rear. Delicate hand-painted details -- arched brows, red-tipped lashes, a gentle half-smile, and fine red accent marks at the temples -- give the face remarkable character. This is a fine example of vintage Japanese craft, and the piece comes accompanied by a fitted, signed wooden tomobako (presentation box), indicating it was produced as a named artist's work of quality.

In today's home, this karako okimono makes a captivating living room accent or tokonoma-style display piece, perfectly suited to a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic shelf arrangement. Its compact scale and all-round decoration mean it reads beautifully from every angle, making it equally at home as a bedroom decor accent on a nightstand or book shelf. For collectors and Japanophiles alike, it would make a truly unique gift -- a self-contained work of art that brings warmth, color, and centuries of Japanese ceramic tradition into any modern interior.

• Origin: Japan, likely Kaga region (Ishikawa Prefecture)
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Glazed porcelain with overglaze polychrome enamel decoration; fitted hardwood tomobako (presentation box)
• Use: Decorative okimono figurine; tokonoma or alcove display ornament
• Modern Use: Living room accent or shelf display piece; bedroom decor on a nightstand or console; unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Seated karako (Chinese-style child) form with chubby, rounded body in cream glaze; large square headscarf painted with multiple polychrome panel designs including red medallions, diamond lattice, and peony sprays; finely detailed hand-painted facial features; all-round decoration with distinct motifs on each face; signed artist's tomobako included
• Dimensions: 5"W x 5"D x 5"H
• Condition: Excellent

A vibrant and joyful piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this signed karako okimono brings the color and craftsmanship of the Kaga tradition to any modern home or collection.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.