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Art Deco Japanese comic pipe boy figurine hand painted ceramic
  • Art Deco Japanese comic pipe boy figurine hand painted ceramic
  • Vintage 1930s Japanese export figurine boy smoking pipe
  • Hand painted ceramic pipe boy figurine standing on suitcase
  • Back view of Vintage 1930s Japanese export figurine boy smoking pipe
  • Close view of face of Art Deco pipe boy figurine with rosy cheeks
  • Underside of figurine base stamped Hand Painted
  • Detail of paint wear to thumb on comic pipe boy figurine
  • Art Deco Japanese comic pipe boy figurine hand painted ceramic
  • Vintage 1930s Japanese export figurine boy smoking pipe
  • Hand painted ceramic pipe boy figurine standing on suitcase
  • Back view of Vintage 1930s Japanese export figurine boy smoking pipe
  • Close view of face of Art Deco pipe boy figurine with rosy cheeks
  • Underside of figurine base stamped Hand Painted
  • Detail of paint wear to thumb on comic pipe boy figurine
Art Deco Japanese Comic Pipe Boy Figurine – 1930s Hand Painted Ceramic Export Figure 8 1/4"

Art Deco Japanese Comic Pipe Boy Figurine – 1930s Hand Painted Ceramic Export Figure 8 1/4"

$85.00

This vintage Art Deco ceramic figurine of a comic pipe-smoking boy was likely produced in Japan for export during the 1930s. The figure is hand painted in bright enamel colours and represents a humorous character often described by collectors as a “pipe-boy” novelty figurine, a type popular in decorative ceramics of the Art Deco era.

The boy is depicted holding a pipe to his mouth while gesturing outward with his free hand. One foot is raised and rests on what appears to be a small suitcase or travel trunk, giving the figure a lively, mischievous stance. The expressive pose and exaggerated facial features reflect the playful character of comic novelty figurines produced for the North American giftware market during the early twentieth century.

He wears a brown jacket over a patterned vest with a red bow tie, paired with green trousers decorated with stylized motifs and dark shoes. His face is modelled with wide eyes, arched brows, and rosy cheeks, a style commonly seen in Japanese export figurines of the 1930s.

The pipe itself features a charming decorative detail: the bowl of the pipe is painted with red and yellow colouring representing a glowing ember, enhancing the whimsical nature of the figure.

The underside of the base is stamped “Hand Painted,” a mark frequently found on Japanese export ceramics produced before the widespread use of “Made in Japan” marks later in the twentieth century.

Origin

Japan

Date

Circa 1930–1938

Material

Glazed ceramic

Measurements

Height: 8 1/4 inches

Condition

The figurine is in very good condition. There are no cracks, crazing or repairs. Minor paint wear to the outstretched thumb that might be original to manufacture

Collectibility Notes

Comic novelty figurines depicting children acting like adults—such as smoking pipes or wearing adult clothing—were popular decorative objects during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s. Japanese export factories produced many such pieces for the American and Canadian markets, often marked simply “Hand Painted.”

The expressive modelling, dynamic pose with the raised foot resting on a suitcase, and the glowing ember detail in the pipe give this example strong display appeal.

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