Kannon; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1910.

Kannon; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1910.
Hand-painted kutani porcelain.
Measurements: 27 x 20 x 15 cm.
Japanese Meiji period Kutani porcelain sculpture depicting a serene seated Kannon holding a scroll, with gilded and enameled decorations in relief. Kannon is the Japanese name for a bodhisattva of compassion, known as Kanzeon Bosatsu. Kannon is a highly revered figure throughout Asia, especially in Japan.
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.