Vintage Japanese White-Glazed Ceramic Monkey (Saru) Sculpture on Rock-Form Base, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0423

Vintage Japanese White-Glazed Ceramic Monkey (Saru) Sculpture on Rock-Form Base, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0423

A large white-glazed ceramic saru (monkey) sculpture seated on a mottled brown rock-form base -- presented in its original signed wooden storage box.

A saru figure is a traditional Japanese decorative ceramic sculpture depicting a monkey, one of the twelve animals of the East Asian zodiac. The monkey (saru) holds deep cultural significance in Japan -- associated with cleverness, protection from evil, and good fortune -- and ceramic saru figures were commonly displayed in the tokonoma (alcove) or on a shelf as auspicious ornaments. This example is a substantial, finely modeled piece in the hakuji (white glaze) tradition, with the monkey rendered in a richly tactile all-white glaze that captures the animal's fur in flowing incised detail. It holds a small round object -- likely a peach, a classic symbol of longevity -- in its outstretched hands. The contrast between the luminous white figure and the deeply mottled brown glazed rock-form base is striking and compositionally sophisticated. The accompanying wooden tomobako (storage box) bears brushwork calligraphy identifying the subject as saru, along with what appears to be a kiln or studio name inscription and a red stamped seal, consistent with mid-Showa studio ceramic practice. This is a collectible example of vintage Japanese ceramic craft with strong provenance presentation.

At nearly eleven inches tall, this saru sculpture commands attention as a standalone display piece in a modern home. Place it on a living room console, a bedroom dresser, or an entryway shelf as a bold sculptural accent that bridges Japanese aesthetic tradition and contemporary minimalist decor. The wabi-sabi contrast of the pure white figure against the earthy brown base suits Japandi style interiors beautifully. Its substantial scale and boxed presentation also make it a meaningful gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces, a thoughtful housewarming gift, or a striking addition to any curated shelf display alongside other vintage Japanese ceramics.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: White-glazed ceramic figure; mottled brown-glazed ceramic rock-form base; original wooden tomobako storage box with brushwork calligraphy and red stamped seal
• Use: Decorative display sculpture; auspicious saru (monkey) zodiac ornament for the tokonoma or display shelf
• Modern Use: Living room sculptural accent; entryway or console statement piece; Japandi-style shelf decor or gift for collectors
• Features: Seated monkey modeled in all-white glaze with finely incised fur detail throughout; figure holds a small round object (likely a peach) in outstretched hands; mounted on a separate mottled brown glazed rock-form ceramic base with richly textured surface; accompanied by original wooden tomobako box inscribed with the character for monkey and a kiln or studio name with red seal -- consistent with mid-Showa studio ceramic presentation
• Dimensions: 5"W x 5"D x 11"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and substantial piece of vintage Japanese ceramic sculpture -- the white-glazed saru figure brings symbolic good fortune, artisan craftsmanship, and timeless Japanese decorative tradition to any modern interior.

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.