Dear Steven,

Thank you for choosing Mearto with your online appraisal.

Based on the images, this item is:

A Japanese haniwa figurine. The Haniwa (埴輪) are terracotta clay figures that were made for ritual use and buried with the dead as funerary objects during the Kofun period (3rd to 6th centuries AD) of the history of Japan. During the Jomon period they were mostly produced, and re-produced during 20th century for collectors to have a reproduction of the real piece as well as for international distribution.

The most common understanding is that haniwa were initially used to define the perimeter of the sacred tomb, separating and magically protecting the deceased from the profane space of the living.

Good condition.

Retail prices may vary, and without any further document or additional proof I am assuming this piece belongs to the 20th century as most pieces in the international market.