Vintage Japanese Celadon Porcelain Kannon-on-Shishi Figurine, Heisei (1990-2018) | SKU: 26M-794

Vintage Japanese Celadon Porcelain Kannon-on-Shishi Figurine, Heisei (1990-2018) | SKU: 26M-794

A luminous celadon porcelain sculpture of Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, seated gracefully upon a mythical shishi guardian lion -- a rare and collectible piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art.

A kannon-on-shishi figurine is a traditional Japanese sculptural form depicting Kannon (the bodhisattva of mercy and compassion, known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteshvara) riding atop a shishi -- the lion-like guardian beast revered across East Asian cultures as a protector against evil spirits. This particular example is rendered entirely in a deeply pooled celadon glaze, a color long associated with spiritual purity and refinement in Japanese and East Asian ceramic traditions. The shishi is modeled with remarkable energy: its wide-open roaring mouth reveals individually detailed iron-brown teeth and fangs, its mane swirls in dynamic carved waves, and its clawed paws grip the ground with fierce authority. Kannon sits serenely astride the beast, draped in flowing robes with an unglazed white bisque face and hands rendered in fine detail -- a contrast that draws the eye and gives the figure a meditative calm against the creature's wild power. The piece retains its original wood storage box, the lid inscribed in ink with what appears to be a commemorative dedication, indicating this was likely presented as a formal gift or commemorative award -- adding significant provenance interest for collectors of vintage Japanese ceramic art and Buddhist sculpture.

In a modern home, this striking figurine commands attention as a focal point of living room decor or a home altar accent, bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic and a sense of spiritual calm to any shelf, console, or display cabinet. Its soft sage-green celadon tones pair beautifully with natural materials -- stone, linen, and raw wood -- making it equally at home in a Japandi-style interior or a more eclectic collector's space. It makes a truly unique gift for Japanophiles, collectors of Asian art, or anyone drawn to the meditative beauty of Buddhist iconography. Displayed on a bedroom dresser or in a home office, it serves as both a powerful decorative accent and a daily reminder of the grace and serenity that Kannon embodies.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Glazed porcelain ceramic with celadon glaze; unglazed bisque for face and hands; iron-brown accent glaze on teeth, nostrils, and claws
• Use: Decorative Buddhist figurine; commemorative presentation piece
• Modern Use: Living room accent or display shelf centerpiece; home altar or meditation space focal point; unique gift for collectors of Japanese ceramic art
• Features: Kannon figure seated atop a dynamic shishi guardian lion; deeply pooled celadon glaze throughout; bisque white face and hands with fine painted detail; roaring shishi with individually modeled teeth and carved swirling mane; iron-brown accent glazing on claws, teeth, and nostrils; retains original wood storage box with commemorative ink inscription
• Dimensions: 13"W x 8"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A serene and powerful piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- the luminous celadon glaze and masterful figural modeling make this Kannon-on-shishi sculpture a collector's treasure and a beautiful living room accent.

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.