About This Piece With piercing eyes, a wide-open mouth and exposed fangs, powerful musculature, and a long tail sweeping upward in an arc, this ceramic sculpture captures the full-bodied intensity of a roaring tiger. Form and Expression This Shigaraki Ware (信楽焼) ceramic tiger was created by Gyokubi (玉美). The fierce expression of the roaring tiger immediately commands attention. Deeply modeled contours around the forehead and eyes emphasize its sharp gaze, continuing through the nose and cheeks to the dramatically opened mouth. The mouth is particularly detailed. The upper and lower fangs are individually modeled, while even the interior of the mouth and the tongue are carefully rendered in ceramic. The powerful modeling continues throughout the entire body. Pronounced musculature rises around the shoulders, followed by a slightly curving back, a taut torso, and strongly formed hindquarters. Behind the body, the long, powerful tail sweeps upward in a broad arc. From the firmly planted legs and muscular contours to the curve of the back and the tip of the tail, the strength of the tiger is expressed throughout the entire sculpture. Measuring 33 cm in width and 20 cm in height, the sculpture has a substantial presence, with the tiger's form extending horizontally from its expressive head to its hindquarters and sweeping tail. Color and Surface The body is covered in a muted yellow-green glaze characteristic of Shigaraki Ware (信楽焼). Rather than appearing as a single uniform color, the glazed surface displays variations in tone and mottled areas. Darker details define the tiger's stripes and facial features, continuing across the head, shoulders, back, and hindquarters. In deliberate contrast, the four legs have been left unglazed, revealing the reddish-brown ceramic body beneath. The glossy, muted yellow-green glazed body and the exposed reddish-brown ceramic of the legs create a clear contrast in both color and surface appearance, forming another distinctive feature of this piece. Artist and Wooden Plaque This work is by Gyokubi (玉美). It is accompanied by a wooden plaque bearing the artist's name, “Gyokubi”, together with a stamped seal. Origin, Period and Provenance This is a work of Shigaraki Ware (信楽焼) from the Shōwa period (昭和時代). Provenance: private collection. Condition The ceramic sculpture itself is in good condition. As this is a long-stored piece, there may be minor marks or small areas of soiling that are difficult to see in the photographs. The accompanying wooden plaque shows discoloration, staining, and scratches. Important Information 1. About the Interior Display Images Images showing the artwork displayed in an interior have been created virtually to illustrate how the piece may look when displayed in a room. The artwork itself has not been edited or altered in these images. For the actual size of the artwork, please refer to the dimensions stated in the item description. For the actual colors and condition, please refer to the photographs showing the artwork itself taken directly. 2. Shipping to Italy Shipments to Italy may be subject to additional inspections at the discretion of the Italian customs authorities. Any costs associated with such additional inspections are the responsibility of the buyer. Additional inspections may also cause delays in customs clearance and delivery. Please make your purchase with an understanding of these possibilities. 3. Shipping, Import Duties, and Customs Clearance The item will be carefully packed and shipped via DHL or Japan Post. The usual delivery time is approximately 1–2 weeks; however, delivery may take longer depending on customs procedures and local delivery conditions. Import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees, and any other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Any such charges incurred locally are the responsibility of the buyer. If the item is returned due to refusal to pay import duties, taxes, or other customs-related charges, refusal to accept delivery, or failure to complete the necessary customs procedures, the buyer will be responsible for all costs associated with the return and reshipment of the item. Thank you for your understanding.