Vintage Japanese Komainu Lion Statue - 1940s Showa Era (25D-270-2)

Vintage Japanese Lion Statue (SKU 25D-270-2)

Showa-era bronze shishi guardian with powerful, flowing mane

This expressive vintage Japanese lion statue depicts a crouching shishi, or komainu, its mouth open in a protective roar and its body tensed as if ready to spring. Cast in dark patinated metal with rich reddish undertones, the sculptor has emphasized swirling tufts of fur, muscular haunches, and a boldly arched tail to convey both strength and movement.

Dating to the mid-Showa period, this guardian lion would have been displayed as a protective household ornament, echoing the larger stone and bronze shishi that flank shrine and temple entrances across Japan. Areas of honest wear to the patina, especially around the mane and back, reveal the warm metal beneath and add character, making it an evocative accent for a tokonoma alcove, console, or curated Japanese antiques collection.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Showa period (c. 1940s)
• Material: Cast metal with dark brown patina
• Use: Interior display as a decorative shishi / komainu guardian figure
• Features: Crouching lion-dog form; deeply carved swirling mane and tail; open-mouthed expression; vintage Japanese lion statue from the Showa era with attractive patina wear and reddish highlights
• Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 5"D x 8"H
• Condition: Visible surface wear and patina loss in areas, especially around the mane and back; small abrasions consistent with age and use; structurally sound

A characterful Showa komainu that brings the protective spirit of the shrine into the 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 and antique 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.