Japanese Shishi / Lion-Dog with Ball, 1950s

Decorative, expressive shishi (also known as komainu or lion-dog) from Japan, in a red and black finish with a richly decorated ball under its front paw. This type of guardian lion symbolizes strength, protection and the warding off of negative energy in Japan—traditionally placed at entrances, but in the home a shishi brings good fortune and a bold, characterful accent to the interior.

Dimensions: height 27 cm, width 29 cm, depth 20 cm. Dating: c. 1930–1950.

The ball is exceptionally detailed, with floral motifs, pierced openings and polychrome areas in blue, turquoise, red, gold and green.

On the underside there is an impressed mark, likely referring to Kutani ceramics.

The piece is in good condition with the attractive signs of age you would hope for: natural wear to the surface, a superficial hairline on the right side of the head (barely visible), and some edge wear—all consistent with a shishi of this age.

As an interior piece this is a true statement object: elegant, protective and graphically strong. Beautiful on a console, in a niche, on a sideboard or as a focal point in a wabi-sabi or eclectic interior. The warm red tones and the interplay between matte and glossy areas give the sculpture great depth and character.