134 - Kannon with Shishi; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1900.

Kannon with Shishi; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1900. Hand-painted kutani porcelain. Measurements: 22 x 17 x 21 cm. Decorative figure made of Chinese porcelain. Sculpture of Kannon with Shishi, or protective lion, made in painted and glazed porcelain. The Kutani is a style of Japanese porcelain originated in the seventeenth century, although mainly developed in the eighteenth century, at first used only for rich pieces, intended for noble landowners and not for export, something that will change in the next century. In this style a grayish paste is used, which is porcelain but can be confused with stoneware, covered with a matte glaze, thick and milky. Regarding the style of decoration, there are different variants, although generally thick glazes are used and the ornamentation tends to be variegated, to cover almost the entire surface. As is usual in Japanese ceramics, floral motifs predominate, combined with geometric motifs and representations of birds and insects.