Vintage Japanese White-Glazed Porcelain Ram Figurine (Hitsuji), Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0426

Vintage Japanese White-Glazed Porcelain Ram Figurine (Hitsuji), Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0426

A luminous white-glazed porcelain ram, crafted in the Japanese zodiac tradition and preserved in its original tomobako storage box.

A hitsuji figurine is a traditional Japanese ceramic sculpture depicting the sheep or ram -- the eighth sign of the Japanese zodiac (eto) -- most commonly created as a commemorative or gift piece to mark the zodiac year of the hitsuji. This finely modeled example depicts a recumbent ram in repose, its body covered in richly textured, curling wool rendered with confident hand-sculpted detail beneath an all-over smooth white glaze. The curled horns, attentive face, and naturalistic posture reflect the skill of a practiced ceramic artist working in the Mid Showa period. The piece is accompanied by its original wood tomobako box, the lid inscribed in bold calligraphic brushwork with the character for sheep, a kiln or ware name, and what appears to be an artist's signature and red seal -- all hallmarks of a considered, studio-quality work of vintage Japanese craft. While the specific kiln attribution requires expert verification, the quality of the inscription and the care of the packaging speak to a piece made to be treasured.

Today, this striking white porcelain sculpture makes a refined statement in a range of modern interiors. Display it on a living room bookshelf or console table as a wabi-sabi accent that draws the eye without demanding color. It suits a minimalist decor or Japandi style setting beautifully, its pure white form reading as quietly sculptural against natural wood, linen, or stone. The tomobako box itself doubles as a display prop, adding rustic warmth alongside the glowing ceramic. A meaningful housewarming gift or a standout piece for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics, zodiac figurines, or East Asian decorative sculpture -- it arrives as a complete, collectible set.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: White-glazed ceramic (porcelain); original wood tomobako storage box with brush-written inscription, artist signature, and red seal
• Use: Decorative ornament; zodiac commemorative or gift sculpture (hitsuji -- Year of the Sheep/Ram)
• Modern Use: Living room sculptural accent; Japandi or minimalist decor display piece; unique gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics or zodiac art
• Features: Recumbent ram form with finely modeled curled horns and all-over textured wool surface; smooth bright white glaze; tomobako box with bold calligraphic character for sheep, secondary inscription possibly indicating kiln or ware name, artist's cursive signature, and red seal stamp
• Dimensions: 9"W x 6"D x 6"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and complete example of vintage Japanese ceramic sculpture -- a luminous white ram figurine with its original inscribed tomobako, ready to bring quiet 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.