Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Certified Pure Gold Kintaro Figure (~20g) — Japanese Auspicious Ornament with Presentation Case
Certified Pure Gold Kintaro Figure (~20g) — Japanese Auspicious Ornament with Presentation Case
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Overview & Cultural Context
Kintaro—Japan’s legendary “Golden Boy”—is an emblem of vigorous growth, courage, and a life path protected by good fortune. In the seasonal imagination of Japan, he stands beside the wider language of celebration: children’s milestones, resilience through difficulty, and a household’s wish that strength and integrity become visible in everyday life.
In domestic settings, objects like this are not treated as mere decoration. They function as compact “luck architecture”—placed in entryways, offices, and display corners to invite continuity of effort and reward. The figure’s charm is emotional, but the form is disciplined: a small presence intended to be seen daily, quietly reinforcing optimism and forward motion.
This example is executed in precious metal as a high‑value reinterpretation of an auspicious icon. Unlike mass‑market festival ornaments, a pure‑gold Kintaro turns the idea of “good fortune” into something literal: both symbolic meaning and intrinsic material value held in the same object. That duality is precisely why collectors and gift‑givers pursue works of this type.
Because the figure is accompanied by a presentation case and documentation, it reads as an heirloom‑grade gift rather than a casual novelty—appropriate for congratulations, new ventures, promotions, and “first‑of‑its‑kind” milestones where the gesture needs to feel permanent.
Material, Technique & Artistic Character
The work is described as pure gold (K24 / 999 class by convention in Japanese retail language for “純金”), with a listed weight of approximately 20.10 g. At this scale, surface decisions matter: clean edges, balanced relief, and a coherent silhouette are what separate “precious” from “luxury.” Even when a piece is small, the eye reads authority through proportion and finish.
Pure gold is notably soft compared with lower karat alloys, which makes crisp modeling and durable presentation a practical achievement. The case is not a formality—it is part of the object’s functional design, protecting the surface while framing the figure as a display‑ready collectible.
Attribution & Presentation Notes
The listing attributes the work to a named maker (with an art name noted) and indicates a certificate is included. We treat this as a meaningful positive signal for gift‑grade presentation, while still maintaining disciplined catalog language: we describe what is visible, what is documented, and what remains unverified without additional paperwork.
Dimensions, Scale & Display
The figure is compact at approximately 53 mm in height, while the fitted case is approximately W190 × D150 × H170 mm. This contrast is intentional: the object is small and precious; the presentation is spacious and ceremonial—making it ideal for display shelves, executive desks, or a dedicated cabinet where it can be seen without being handled.
Why Collectors Buy
- Symbol + substance: Kintaro’s good‑fortune meaning paired with pure‑gold intrinsic value.
- Gift authority: certified, cased presentation reads as heirloom‑grade rather than decorative.
- Rarity profile: pure‑gold themed figurines are produced in limited runs and are frequently kept in families, reducing secondary‑market availability.
- Display practicality: small footprint, high visual impact, low space requirements.
- Cultural specificity: an unmistakably Japanese icon that still feels universal as a “success and protection” talisman.
Key Facts
- Object type: Pure‑gold auspicious figurine (Kintaro)
- Material: Pure gold (listed as 純金; K24 convention)
- Condition: New / unused (per listing)
- Approx. gold weight (object): ~20.10 g
- Approx. object size: H~53 mm
- Presentation case size: ~W190 × D150 × H170 mm
- Documentation: Certificate included (per listing)
- Country of origin: Japan (as presented)
Shipping & Handling
Known object weight: ~20.10 g (gold figure only, per listing)
Estimated packed weight: ~1.2–1.8 kg (with case + protective packing)
Estimated packed dimensions: ~26 × 22 × 22 cm (double‑boxed)
Recommended methods: Japan Post EMS where available, or DHL/FedEx/UPS for fastest courier service.
Estimated shipping cost ranges (directional): EMS ¥7,000–¥15,000 JPY; DHL/FedEx/UPS ¥12,000–¥28,000 JPY (varies by destination zone).
Packing standard: reinforced double‑boxing, rigid corner protection, and shock‑buffered void fill. For premium objects, we bias toward over‑protection, not minimum weight.
If you’d like white‑glove coordination (special handling, documentation checks, and routing options), explore Japonista Concierge Logistics™.
Confidence & Verification Notes
Material and weight are taken from the listing specification. Maker attribution and certificate presence are presented as stated. Without independent assay results or additional institutional paperwork, specific workshop/maker claims should be treated as documented‑by‑certificate rather than independently verified by us.
Customs (HS Code & Country of Origin)
Country of origin: Japan
HS Code: 7114.19 (Goldsmiths’/silversmiths’ wares of precious metal — classification may vary by destination customs authority)
Authenticity & Stewardship
- Material and weight cross‑check against provided specifications
- Finish and surface review for handling suitability (case‑kept storage recommended)
- Documentation presence noted (certificate, case)
Closing Note
In Japan, auspicious icons are most powerful when they live in the everyday. A pure‑gold Kintaro is both a cultural symbol and a lasting object—made to be kept, displayed, and remembered.
Authenticity & Stewardship
Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:
- Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
- Iconographic and stylistic verification
- Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
- Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation
Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.
A Note on Stewardship and Collecting
At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.
Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.
Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration
Some sacred works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.
If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.
Concierge Support & Collector Guidance
Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.
For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.
Before Proceeding
We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.
A Closing Note
Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.
If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.
