Antique Japanese Ko-Bizen Shishi Okimono, Meiji period, circa 1900 | SKU: 26J-699

Antique Japanese Ko-Bizen Shishi Okimono, Meiji period, circa 1900 | SKU: 26J-699

A masterfully modeled Ko-Bizen style shishi okimono -- a crouching guardian lion-dog in unglazed iron-rich stoneware -- presented with its original hand-inscribed wooden storage box.

A shishi okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative figurine depicting the shishi, a mythical lion-dog believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Among the most celebrated examples of this form is the Ko-Bizen tradition, rooted in Bizen Province (present-day Okayama Prefecture), where potters fired iron-rich clay in wood-burning anagama kilns without glaze, relying entirely on flame, ash, and heat to produce the characteristic deep reddish-brown surface. This substantial okimono presents the shishi in a powerful crouching posture -- body coiled low, open mouth baring teeth, and front paws splayed forward -- conveying both ferocity and latent energy. Every surface is alive with finely incised detail: concentric spiral fur patterns across the chest and haunches, wave-like lines flowing across the flanks and tail, and a boldly sculpted face with deeply modeled brows, nostrils, and an open jaw. The dark, lustrous surface shows natural variation from the firing -- warm iron-brown tones shifting to deeper charcoal blacks -- with age patina and natural spotting consistent with genuine antique Bizen-type ware. The piece retains its original wooden storage box, the lid bearing a hand-brushed inscription attributing the work to Ko-Bizen as a shishi okimono, lending strong provenance to this compelling example of Japanese antique ceramic sculpture.

In today's interiors, this shishi okimono brings instant character and cultural depth wherever it is placed. Its substantial sculptural presence makes it a natural centerpiece for a living room accent shelf, a tokonoma-inspired display alcove, or an entryway console where it can serve its traditional role as a guardian figure at the threshold of the home. The warm, earthy tones of the Bizen-type fired surface complement Japandi style and wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors beautifully, sitting naturally alongside natural wood, linen, and stone. It would also make a remarkable gift for collectors of Japanese antique ceramics or Japanophiles seeking a truly singular decorative accent. The original wooden box adds collector appeal and makes presentation effortless.

• Origin: Japan, Bizen tradition (Okayama Prefecture)
• Era: Meiji period, circa 1900 (1868-1911)
• Material: Bizen-type unglazed iron-rich stoneware; natural ash and flame effects from wood-kiln firing; original wooden storage box with hand-brushed inscription
• Use: Decorative okimono figurine; traditionally displayed in a tokonoma alcove or on a display shelf as a guardian and good-fortune symbol
• Modern Use: Living room accent sculpture; entryway guardian display; collector centerpiece in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interior
• Features: Crouching shishi pose with open mouth and bared teeth; finely incised spiral and wave-pattern fur across chest, flanks, tail, and paws; deeply modeled facial features; natural iron-brown and charcoal surface variation from anagama-style firing; hollow underside visible; accompanied by original hand-inscribed wooden storage box with Ko-Bizen attribution
• Dimensions: 10 1/2"W x 9"D x 4 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and commanding example of Japanese antique ceramic sculpture -- this Ko-Bizen style shishi okimono, complete with its original inscription box, is a museum-quality guardian figure that brings centuries of craft tradition and wabi-sabi beauty into 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 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.