Vintage Japanese Shishi Onigawara Roof Ridge Tile, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0236

Vintage Japanese Shishi Onigawara Roof Ridge Tile, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0236

A hand-sculpted shishi and mythical creature onigawara -- a rare salvaged roof guardian tile that commands attention as a sculptural centerpiece in any living space or garden.

An onigawara is a traditional Japanese decorative roof tile terminal, placed at the ridge ends or eave corners of temples, shrines, and distinguished residences to ward off evil spirits and protect the building. This striking example features a powerfully modeled shishi -- the lion-dog guardian of Japanese architecture -- with an expressive open-mouthed face, bold incised fur, bulging eyes, and a flame-swept mane rendered in exceptional detail. Rising dynamically from behind the shishi head is a scaled mythical creature body with spiky dorsal projections and chrysanthemum-pattern incised scales, giving the entire composition a sense of fierce, coiling energy. The piece is formed from unglazed fired roof-tile clay in a deep charcoal gray, a material and finish consistent with the professional kiln-fired ceramic tiles used throughout the Showa era. The hollow dome-shaped base bears a maker's stamp mark and fixing holes, confirming this was a functional architectural element before becoming the collector's piece it is today.

Rescued from its rooftop post, this onigawara now makes a commanding statement as a living room accent or entryway sculpture -- a wabi-sabi aesthetic object that brings centuries of Japanese protective symbolism into a modern home. Its substantial size and dramatic silhouette make it equally at home as an outdoor garden guardian on a patio, stone step, or beside a garden gate, where its weathered gray clay blends naturally with stone and moss. It also serves as an extraordinary gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics, a one-of-a-kind housewarming gift, or a bold focal point for a Japandi-style interior. Few salvaged architectural objects carry this level of hand-crafted sculptural presence.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Unglazed fired roof-tile clay (gray stoneware-type); maker's stamp mark and fixing holes on base
• Use: Decorative and apotropaic architectural roof ridge or eave terminal tile -- placed on traditional Japanese buildings to repel evil spirits
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway guardian sculpture; outdoor garden accent beside a gate, path, or stone lantern; display piece for collectors of Japanese architectural ceramics
• Features: Boldly sculpted shishi lion-dog face with open mouth, incised fur, and flame mane; scaled mythical creature body rising from behind with spiky dorsal projections and chrysanthemum-pattern incised scales; hollow dome base with incised decorative band; maker's stamp and fixing holes visible on base perimeter
• Dimensions: 12"W x 9"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare piece of salvaged Japanese architectural ceramics -- this onigawara roof guardian brings the protective spirit of traditional Japanese craftsmanship directly into your home or garden.

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.