Vintage Japanese Porcelain Shishi Lion-Dog Figurine with Reticulated Brocade Ball, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0521

Vintage Japanese Porcelain Shishi Lion-Dog Figurine with Reticulated Brocade Ball, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0521

A boldly glazed shishi lion-dog with reticulated brocade ball -- a striking symbol of protection and good fortune in vintage Japanese ceramic craft.

A shishi is a mythical lion-dog figure deeply rooted in Japanese decorative tradition, most commonly seen as guardian statues at shrine and temple entrances but equally cherished as a display piece in the home. This vintage Japanese porcelain figurine captures the shishi in a dynamic, rearing pose -- forepaws resting atop a reticulated brocade ball (kemari) while the creature twists its head forward with jaws wide open, white fangs bared and a red tongue curling beneath. The body is covered in a deep aubergine glaze that shifts with a subtle iridescent sheen in changing light, while the sculpted mane, tail, and leg accents are rendered in vivid celadon green relief, each curl and wave carefully tooled. The brocade ball itself is a tour de force of the potter's art -- a fully reticulated sphere in amber yellow glaze, its surface pierced with interlocking scrollwork and adorned with applied floral medallions in cobalt blue and deep purple. The result is a confident, high-craft example of vintage Japanese ceramic artistry from the Late Showa period.

Today this shishi figurine translates effortlessly into modern interior settings. On a living room console or bookshelf it commands immediate attention as a statement decorative accent, its polychrome palette complementing both Japandi style interiors and more eclectic, maximalist arrangements. Placed on an entryway table it revives its traditional role as a guardian presence at the threshold of the home. At roughly the size of a large bookend, it also works beautifully as a desk accent in a home office, lending character and a sense of history to the space. A genuinely unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to bold sculptural ceramics with cultural depth.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Porcelain with polychrome glazes -- deep aubergine body with iridescent finish, celadon green relief mane and tail, amber yellow reticulated ball with cobalt blue and purple floral medallions
• Use: Decorative display figurine; good-luck and protective ornament for the home
• Modern Use: Living room accent or bookshelf sculpture; entryway guardian display; home office desk ornament
• Features: Rearing shishi pose with open mouth, white fangs, and red tongue; deep aubergine body glaze with iridescent sheen; celadon green sculpted mane, tail, and leg scrollwork in fine relief; fully reticulated amber yellow brocade ball with applied floral medallions in cobalt blue and purple; high-gloss polychrome finish throughout; hand-applied detail
• Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 6 1/2"D x 9 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A vivid and commanding piece of vintage Japanese ceramic craft -- this shishi figurine brings symbolic energy, bold color, and artisan character 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.