Vintage Japanese Kutani-Style Porcelain Shishi Figurine with Tama Ball, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0851-1

Vintage Japanese Kutani-Style Porcelain Shishi Figurine with Tama Ball, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0851-1

A boldly hand-painted porcelain shishi in the Kutani-style palette -- iron red, gold, and teal -- resting triumphantly atop a pierced decorative tama ball.

A shishi is a mythical Japanese lion-dog figure long associated with protection, good fortune, and the warding off of evil spirits. Traditionally placed at the entrances of shrines and temples, smaller porcelain shishi were prized as auspicious ornaments for the home tokonoma (display alcove) or gift cabinet. This example is rendered in a rich Kutani-style overglaze enamel palette -- deep iron-red scaling covers the powerfully modeled body, while the flowing mane, spiral-curled tail, and scrolling beard are traced in warm gold gilt. The open mouth reveals a vivid red tongue and gilded teeth, and the clawed paws grip a large tama (jewel ball) decorated with teal ground, polychrome floral painting, and pierced petal-shaped cutouts. The level of sculptural detail -- from the individually textured scales across the body to the layered chrysanthemum medallions -- reflects the skilled hand-painting and fine porcelain craftsmanship characteristic of mid-Showa Japanese decorative ceramics.

In the modern home, a shishi figurine of this scale and visual impact makes an extraordinary living room accent or entryway statement piece -- its bold palette works equally well against the clean lines of minimalist decor and within a more maximalist, eclectic interior. Display it on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or console table as a conversation-starting focal point. It suits a Japandi-style interior beautifully when paired with natural wood and neutral tones, the teal and gold providing warmth and visual depth. It also makes a memorable housewarming gift or a standout addition to any collection of Japanese vintage ceramics and decorative art.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Porcelain with Kutani-style overglaze enamels -- iron red, teal, polychrome floral motifs, and extensive gold gilt
• Use: Auspicious decorative ornament; home display figurine; tokonoma accent
• Modern Use: Living room accent or mantelpiece display; entryway statement piece; housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics
• Features: Heavily textured scaled body in iron red; gold-gilt mane, tail, and beard with incised line detailing; open mouth with red tongue and gilded teeth; one paw resting on a large tama ball with pierced petal cutouts, teal ground, and polychrome floral painting; chrysanthemum medallion accents across body; richly sculptural all-round modeling
• Dimensions: 8"W x 6"D x 8 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A striking piece of vintage Japanese porcelain art that brings auspicious energy, bold color, and centuries of craft tradition into any modern interior.

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.