Vintage Japanese Kyo-yaki White-Glazed Dog Okimono, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0420

Vintage Japanese Kyo-yaki White-Glazed Dog Okimono, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0420

A life-size Kyo-yaki white-glazed ceramic dog -- a striking okimono display piece with original wooden box and maker's seal.

An okimono is a Japanese decorative display object crafted purely for visual enjoyment, and this inu okimono -- or dog ornament -- represents the form at its most impressive. Rendered in a brilliant all-white glaze consistent with Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware), the figurine depicts a large seated shepherd-type dog with remarkable sculptural detail: individual tufts of fur along the chest and haunches, precisely modeled paws, erect alert ears, and a slightly open mouth conveying natural vitality. The piece carries an impressed maker's seal on the base alongside a red seal, and retains its original wooden tomobako storage box inscribed with "Kyo-yaki" and "inu okimono" in bold calligraphic brushwork with a red artist's stamp -- a strong indicator of intentional craft production and collector-grade provenance. Dog-themed okimono were commonly gifted and displayed in Japan as auspicious objects, and this example -- substantial in scale at over thirteen inches tall -- would have been a prominent tokonoma alcove or entryway display piece in a traditional Japanese home.

Today this vintage Japanese ceramic sculpture translates beautifully into contemporary interiors. Its pure white glaze and confident sculptural presence make it a natural fit for minimalist decor, Japandi style living rooms, or as a bold living room accent on a console, bookshelf, or mantelpiece. Dog lovers and ceramics collectors alike will appreciate the rarity of a piece this size retaining its original tomobako box. It also works as an entryway statement piece -- echoing the Japanese tradition of guardian dog figures at thresholds -- or as a refined bedroom decor accent alongside natural materials. A truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese ceramic art from the Mid Showa period.

• Origin: Japan -- Kyoto (Kyo-yaki), as indicated by box inscription
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: White-glazed ceramic, consistent with Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware) porcelain or fine stoneware
• Use: Decorative display figurine (okimono); traditionally placed in a tokonoma alcove or entryway as an auspicious ornament
• Modern Use: Living room accent or mantelpiece sculpture; entryway guardian display piece; statement decor for minimalist or Japandi-style interiors
• Features: Highly detailed all-over white glaze; finely modeled fur, paws, and facial features on a seated shepherd-type dog; impressed maker's seal and red seal on base; includes original wooden tomobako box with brushwork inscription and artist's red stamp
• Dimensions: 5"W x 8"D x 13 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and commanding piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this Kyo-yaki inu okimono brings sculptural elegance and cultural depth to 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 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.