Vintage Japanese Nabeshima Goyouyaki "鍋島御用窯" White-Glazed Porcelain Rabbit Figurine, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0421

Vintage Japanese Nabeshima Goyouyaki "鍋島御用窯" White-Glazed Porcelain Rabbit Figurine, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0421

A masterwork of Nabeshima goyouyaki -- a large white-glazed porcelain rabbit with incised fur detail, accompanied by its original tomobako and kiln provenance documents.

A Nabeshima-yaki usagi (rabbit figurine) is a sculptural ceramic work produced in the tradition of Nabeshima goyouyaki -- the exclusive imperial kiln ware originating from Okawachi, Saga Prefecture. Long regarded as among the most refined ceramic traditions in Japan, Nabeshima ware was historically reserved for presentation to lords and the imperial court, making even Showa-era works from this lineage highly collectible Japanese vintage ceramics. This commanding seated rabbit is modeled with exceptional naturalism: every tuft of fur is rendered through fine incised lines beneath a luminous all-white glaze, while the eyes are finished in deep black glaze that brings the form strikingly to life. The piece sits upright with front paws raised, conveying an alert, lifelike presence rarely achieved in sculptural ceramics of this scale. The accompanying signed tomobako (wooden storage box) is inscribed with the character for rabbit and the designation "Nabeshima goyouyaki," alongside the name and seal of the 7th-generation kiln head, lending this work a level of provenance documentation seldom found with vintage Japanese ceramic figurines.

In a modern home, this sculptural rabbit makes an extraordinary living room accent or entryway statement piece -- its pure white glaze and generous scale sit beautifully against natural wood shelving, stone surfaces, or a minimalist decor backdrop in the wabi-sabi aesthetic or Japandi style. Display it on a console table, a dedicated tokonoma alcove shelf, or a mantelpiece where its quiet grandeur can be fully appreciated. The complete set -- figurine, tomobako, and provenance papers -- makes this an exceptional gift for collectors of Japanese ceramic art, a meaningful housewarming gift, or a centerpiece acquisition for anyone building a collection of vintage Japanese craft. The rabbit is also an auspicious symbol in Japanese culture, associated with the moon, good fortune, and longevity, adding layers of meaning beyond its considerable artistic merit.

• Origin: Okawachi, Saga Prefecture, Japan (Nabeshima goyouyaki kiln tradition)
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: White-glazed porcelain with incised surface decoration and black-glazed eyes
• Use: Decorative ornament and display sculpture; original purpose as a presentation or collector's work within the Nabeshima kiln tradition
• Modern Use: Living room accent or mantelpiece sculpture; entryway or tokonoma display piece; centerpiece gift for collectors of Japanese ceramic art
• Features: Large seated rabbit form with all-over incised fur texture; luminous white glaze with subtle sheen; black-glazed eyes for striking realism; includes signed tomobako inscribed with the character for rabbit and Nabeshima goyouyaki designation; accompanied by kiln provenance documents referencing the 7th-generation kiln head
• Dimensions: 7 1/2"W x 5"D x 9 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and deeply provenance-documented piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this Nabeshima-yaki rabbit brings the quiet elegance of one of Japan's most storied kiln traditions 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 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.