Overview
A pair of porcelain figurines in the 'Blanc de Chine' style depicting Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, standing atop lotus blossom bases.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A pair of porcelain figurines in the 'Blanc de Chine' style depicting Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, standing atop lotus blossom bases.
Story
Post-war Japan became the world's premier workshop for fine porcelain, skillfully recreating classical Chinese styles for a growing Western middle class hungry for 'Orientalia.'
Maker / Origin
Otagiri Mercantile Company (OMC) and Napcoware (National Potteries Corporation) were titans of the mid-century giftware industry, sourcing hand-finished ceramics from Japanese artisans to stock American department stores.
Condition & Value
Both figurines appear to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The original foil stickers are well-preserved, which adds a small premium to their collectibility. Excellent condition like this is preferred by collectors of Japanese export ware. Value is based on the pair as a decorative set.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375