Vintage Japanese Bronze Shishi Okimono (Oyako Parent-and-Child Lions), Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-128

Vintage Japanese Bronze Shishi Okimono (Oyako Parent-and-Child Lions), Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-128

A compact cast-bronze shishi and cub grouping -- full of life, lore, and wabi-sabi character.

A shishi is a mythical lion-dog revered in Japanese and broader East Asian tradition as a guardian spirit that wards off evil and invites good fortune. Cast in bronze, this charming vintage figurine depicts a large shishi in a dynamic, alert posture alongside a smaller cub at its feet -- a composition known in Japanese decorative art as "oyako shishi" (parent-and-child lions), symbolizing protection, family bonds, and continued prosperity. The surfaces show the warm, dark patina typical of Taisho-era cast bronze, with highlights of golden brown catching the light across the curling mane, expressive face, and finely modeled tail. Faint traces of verdigris visible on the reverse confirm genuine age and authentic bronze composition. The compact scale and lively sculptural energy place this firmly in the tradition of handcrafted Japanese okimono -- small decorative objects made to be admired up close on a shelf, desk, or tokonoma alcove.

Today this vintage Japanese bronze sculpture makes a striking living room accent or home office desk ornament for collectors drawn to Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic. Its small footprint suits a bookshelf vignette, a meditation corner, or a curio cabinet display alongside other Japanese vintage objects. The shishi's protective symbolism also makes it a meaningful housewarming gift or unique gift for collectors of Asian art and Japanese mythology. Pair it with a lacquer tray or natural stone tile to create an instant tokonoma-inspired display anywhere in the home.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Cast bronze with dark natural patina and traces of verdigris
• Use: Decorative okimono figurine; tokonoma or shelf display; good-luck talisman
• Modern Use: Living room or home office desk sculpture; curio cabinet accent; meaningful housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese art
• Features: Oyako shishi (parent-and-child) composition; boldly modeled curling mane, expressive guardian face, and swept tail; rich dark patina with warm bronze highlights; small compact footprint; solid cast construction
• Dimensions: 4 1/2"W x 2 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent -- age-appropriate patina throughout; no breaks or repairs

A timeless piece of vintage Japanese bronze sculpture that brings protective spirit and quiet wabi-sabi beauty to any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.