Walkaround: Nature Techni Colour Nature of Japan vol. 2 - 01 Shiba

Here's a small walkaround of the Shiba figurine from the Nature of Japan series, volume 2, by Kitan Club. The figurine is a bit over 4,5cm tall (making it approximately 1:9 scale) and very finely sculpted for its size. It has fur texture all over, whorls and rolls of subcutaneous fascia; the legs are excellently angled with subtle muscle delineations, dewclaws and carpal pads; and the pose of the dog has wonderful gesture overall, depicting a happily alert, even slightly mischievous little dog.
I'm particularly pleased the puffed-up, perfectly round-looking head of teased-up fur and a face squished to a more Akitaesque look that's sometimes seen on show-groomed Shibas has been foregone on this sculpture in favour of a decidedly Shiba appearance - that of a light, fit and agile primitive hunting dog.

Besides the sculpting, the figure's paintwork is also very, very good, with the subtle shading of the very matte coat actually managing to make the dog's fur appear soft, plush and dense. The paws sport paint-accentuated pads and even nails; the often deliberately overlooked details of anus and sheath have been painted also. The dog's eyes are especially well done for such a small figurine; flawlessly applied black "skin" surrounds the slanted, dark brown eyes which have pupils painted on (and not even wonky!). The eyes have been given a very glossy finish that gives the dog a literal glint in its eyes, further suggesting mischief in the tiny dog's expression.

I'd say this little fellow is overall the best model of a dog that I've encountered and one of the most lifelike of all the models, of any species, I have - and for a mass-produced, very miniature model, it's a lot said.

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Wow! That's amazing! Congrats Lea!

Gorgeous figure   

It is a very nice dog     

Excelent descriptive text as always! I am surely convinced about the quality of the figure after reading your comments, although it is visible how good it is on your pictures. Though, additional information turns it clearer.
Definitively an excelent dog replica! Congratulations and thanks for showing!

As Roger said, your explanations and your beautiful pics are so convincing!

So, congratulation Lea for the figure and for the walkaround.   

This small and cheap model is a fine example of the Japanese brands qualities: accuracy, natural pose, painting.   If I had enough money, I will send one dog to each Majors: Look at this! It is possible   
I don't want to say Major companies models are bad, my shelves are full of their models. Nevertheless when I look at this little dog (or at the Brown bear [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]) I can't prevent myself from dreaming of the Papo grizzly, gibbon or the Mojo cheetah painted like that   

More, I would like to say I love this kind of topics: Good pics, good explanations, it is an excellent tradition! Thank you Lea  

What can I add ? FABULOUS     

Have to have! Where did you get it from?
Congrats Lea, thanks for the pictures.

Thank you all for your lovely comments! I'm glad you liked the pictures and accompanying ..well, rosy-tinted praise.

Kikimalou wrote:

This small and cheap model is a fine example of the Japanese brands qualities: accuracy, natural pose, painting.   If I had enough money, I will send one dog to each Majors: Look at this! It is possible   
I don't want to say Major companies models are bad, my shelves are full of their models. Nevertheless when I look at this little dog (or at the Brown bear [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]) I can't prevent myself from dreaming of the Papo grizzly, gibbon or the Mojo cheetah painted like that   

Oh, don't! You mustn't tempt us with impossible visions like that. I can feel my wallet screaming at the thought.. But no, it would be pretty great, of course, if the major Western companies took note of the Japanese brands' diligent attention to detail and overall quality in all aspects of the figurines. I bet we'd swiftly see a 200% increase in their prices, though, too.

HKHollinstone wrote:

Have to have!  Where did you get it from?

I got the figure off eBay from this very accommodating seller - he hasn't got another one, though, and the other copies of the model that I can find on eBay currently are all going at over double the price I paid. Perhaps if you keep a close eye on the site, you'll be able to catch one at a more reasonable price, though. Or, you could try buying it straight from Japan - the new Kitan figurines and sets aren't scarce there yet, and go for a lot less than their eBay-listed counterparts at the moment.

Hmm.. if I find another one going cheap, I'll pick it up for you, shall I? And if you don't want it or have found yourself another one in the meanwhile, I'm sure I can find it a willing new owner somewhere.  

Wow, this figure is amazing! Congratulations! It really must be one of the most beautiful dog figures in existence       

I would said this one of the best dog in 2013.

Wonderful.

Beautifull model , i'm clad i know what he is know.
Shame i will never have him i think
But still new to see somebody has him now who apriciate his greatness ^-^

Wonderful,wonderful model!!!

Oh, I love this! I definitely need one! Does this company do other 1:9 scale dogs?

Would love one too <3 Great walkaround, thanks Lea!

What a beauty! He looks just like my real-life Basenji mix, Frodo!

Oooh, it's gorgeous!! I need it