Vintage Japanese Shishi Lion (SKU: 25D-429) -

Vintage Japanese Shishi Lion - 1950s Showa Era (25D-429)

SKU:
25D-429
$350.00
IMPORTED FROM JAPAN
Dimensions: 5 1/2"W x 6 1/2"D x 10 1/2"H per piece
Ship From Location: Berkeley, California
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Description

Vintage Japanese Shishi Lion, Showa Era (SKU 25D-429)

Expressive mid-century ceramic pair of guardian shishi lions for altar, tokonoma, or entry display.

This vintage Japanese shishi (also called komainu) pair is richly modelled in a warm cream glaze with deep chestnut-brown detailing to the mane, tail, and paws. One lion bares a fierce open mouth while the other keeps his jaws firmly closed, a traditional “a-un” combination symbolising the beginning and end of all things and offering powerful protection to the household.

Hand-thrown and sculpted in robust stoneware, the figures show wonderful Showa-era character: bold swirling curls in relief, pronounced claws, and animated faces with pierced eyes and nostrils that create dramatic shadows. Their compact, upright stance makes them ideal vintage Japanese décor for a butsudan altar, genkan entryway, or as striking bookend-style accents on a shelf.

  • Origin: Japan
  • Era: Showa period, mid-20th century (vintage)
  • Material: Glazed stoneware ceramic
  • Use: Guardian shishi / komainu pair for interior display, altar, tokonoma, or entry décor
  • Features: Matching “a-un” shishi lions with open/closed mouths, high-gloss cream and chestnut-brown glaze, deeply carved scrolling mane and tail, pierced eyes and nostrils, strong vintage Japanese styling
  • Dimensions: 5 1/2"W x 6 1/2"D x 10 1/2"H per piece
  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear; no visible cracks or repairs

A characterful Showa-era shishi pair that brings both protection and presence to any curated Japanese interior.

 

As part of our mission to preserve and share Japanese craftsmanship, we offer antiques that were made not just to be admired, but to be used. These pieces were crafted for everyday life, and we honor their purpose by ensuring they can continue to be enjoyed and lived with today.

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.

Additional Information
size:
5 1/2"W x 6 1/2"D x 10 1/2"H per piece