Banpresto figurine — The Apothecary’s Notebooks — Maomao 23cm
This exceptional figurine from the collections of leading manufacturer Banpresto depicts the ingenious, pragmatic and fascinating heroine of the imperial court: Maomao.
The figurine stands at a remarkable height of approximately 23 cm. This premium size gives the piece a superb visual presence and a finish far superior to standard models, capturing one of the character’s iconic poses. The design specific to this edition captures the young woman’s quick wit and observant demeanour, frozen in a dynamic pose full of subtle tension. The plastic sculpture pays meticulous attention to Maomao’s physical features, notably the fluidity of her dark, textured hair, the detailed folds of her traditional court attire, and her accessories, which are tailored to her delicate build. The application of PVC paint and subtle shading highlights the expressions of insight and determination in her captivating gaze.
This officially licensed collectable is primarily aimed at admirers of Natsu Hyūga’s masterful work, enthusiasts of the *The Apothecary’s Notebooks* universe, and discerning collectors of Banpresto products. The item is supplied mounted on its dedicated display base inside an illustrated cardboard box featuring the series’ colour scheme.
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: Banpresto
- Range: Standard Figurine
- Series: Collectible Figurine
- Licence: The Apothecary’s Notebooks
- Design: Maomao in an observant pose, wearing flowing traditional attire
- Product type: Pre-painted, static collectable figurine
- Figurine size: Approximately 23 cm tall
- EAN code: 4573102711229
- Manufacturer’s reference (SKU): 2760346
Character background and lore
In the expanded lore of *The Apothecary’s Notebooks* (*Kusuriya no Hitorigoto*), Maomao is a seventeen-year-old girl trained in the art of medicine and poisons by her adoptive father in the red-light district. Her life is irrevocably turned upside down when she is kidnapped by bandits and then sold as a mere servant within the Emperor’s Inner Palace. Keen to conceal her talents so she can quietly serve out her sentence, her curious nature and keen sense of deduction catch up with her when she anonymously solves the mystery of the imperial heirs’ illness. Quickly unmasked by the perceptive and influential eunuch Jinshi, she is promoted to personal taster for the Emperor’s favourite concubine. Thanks to her rigorous scientific knowledge and her extraordinary resistance to the toxic substances she has tested on herself, Maomao thwarts the complex political intrigues and deadly plots of the court, becoming an expert indispensable to the survival of the imperial entourage.
