Rare Vintage Japanese Genuine Large Hakata Doll Clay Samurai Figurine. In very good condition. Sword handle repair barely noticeable. Minor scratches and blemishes. 44 cm 17.5. 6 lb 2 oz weight. Great decor / gift idea. Pictures of actual item. Paulh990_0 for the information below. Kabuki Dancer performing Kuroda Bushi, the true story of a Samurai Warrior named Mori Tahei who was send on an errand by his master Lord Kuroda. Tahei was a heavy drinker and was ordered to stay sober on this mission. He was sent top meet with another warlord, who also liked his Sake. This warlord offered Tahei a drink, which he first refused, until it became a bet. If he could drink a large amount of sake (rumored at 3 liters) from the bowl he is carrying, he could have asked for anything in his host’s possession. Tahei emptied the bowl and asked for the spear he is holding. This spear was one of three such fabled weapons made by master armorers of that day. It is on display in the Fukoaka Museum. A statue of Tahei is located in front of the same museum. The artisan studio that made this figure is The Hakata Doll Association, one of only seven such studios during the modern heyday (1950-55). It is a low-fired ceramic with a bisque finish, and handmade by a single artisan. In 1955, Japan started mass producing Hakata Dolls for export. Six of the seven original studios were closed by early 1956. The Association remained in business and actually exists to this day. Alfredo1107 items for sale. Mare_1832 items for sale. Mare_1107 items for sale.