Lot 174: Mid-Century Japanese Stoneware Candle Holder

Description

Mid-century stoneware figural candle holder, likely Japanese-made, depicting a bonneted figure in a dark green robe with a row of button detailing down the front, holding a small cup-form candle socket in one hand. The design closely follows the Scandinavian folk pottery aesthetic popularized by Nordic makers like Lisa Larson, a style widely copied and exported by Japanese studios in the 1950s–60s to meet strong American demand for Scandinavian modern decor. The base is unglazed and hollow with an oval opening. No maker's marks are visible, consistent with many unmarked export pieces from this period. Designed to hold a small taper candle, making it as functional as it is decorative. Measures approximately 5.75" H x 2.75" L x 1.25" W.

Condition:

Good vintage condition. Wear commensurate with age. Glaze is glossy and intact with no visible chips or cracks. A few small pin-sized specks/pitting are visible in the glaze on the back of the robe (see photos), consistent with the firing process rather than damage. Please review photos closely; we do our best to catch all flaws but small imperfections can be missed.

Dimensions: H: 5.75", W: 1.25", L: 2.75"