Vintage Japanese Horse Statue, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-053-3

Japanese Uma Horse Statue | Vintage Living Room Sculpture & Desk Accent, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-053-3

A spirited cast iron uma (horse) figurine from postwar Japan -- bold, dynamic, and rich with symbolic meaning.

An uma (horse) figurine is a traditional Japanese decorative sculpture prized as a symbol of strength, vitality, and good fortune. The horse holds a place of deep reverence in Japanese culture -- long associated with Shinto shrines, where wooden ema votive plaques bearing horse imagery were offered to the gods for blessings and safe passage. This handcrafted Japanese antique sculpture captures that same spirit in striking three-dimensional form. Cast in iron and finished in a deep reddish-brown lacquer, the piece depicts a prancing horse mid-stride, one foreleg raised and the arched neck carrying the head with noble poise. The flowing mane and tail are rendered with confident, fluid tooling, while the smooth, rounded body reflects a skilled craftsman's eye for anatomical proportion. Subtle surface patina and light wear across the flanks speak to its authentic age and add to the wabi-sabi character collectors appreciate in vintage Japanese craft.

Today this expressive iron horse translates beautifully into modern interiors. Displayed on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or entryway console, it functions as an eye-catching living room accent with unmistakable presence. Its dark, polished tones complement Japandi style and mid-century modern decor equally well, bridging the organic and the sculptural. It also makes a compelling home office statement piece -- a symbol of momentum and drive on a desk or credenza. Whether you are a collector of Japanese antique figurines or simply searching for a unique housewarming gift with genuine historical provenance, this mid-century uma statue delivers both beauty and meaning in a compact, displayable form.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Cast iron with dark reddish-brown lacquer finish
• Use: Decorative figurine; symbolic ornament associated with strength and good fortune in Japanese tradition
• Modern Use: Living room sculpture or mantelpiece accent; home office desk statement piece; unique housewarming gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Dynamic prancing pose with raised foreleg; finely tooled flowing mane and tail; smooth rounded body with naturalistic musculature; deep reddish-brown lacquer with aged patina and light surface wear consistent with era
• Dimensions: 19" W x 5"D x 18"H
• Condition: Good -- surface patina and minor paint loss consistent with age; structurally sound with strong display presence

A compelling piece of Japanese antique sculpture -- this mid-century iron horse brings the timeless energy and symbolism of the uma tradition into any modern home.

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 and antique 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.