Vintage Japanese Kutani Shishi Guardian Lion with Pierced Ball, c.1960s

A striking vintage Japanese Kutani porcelain shishi guardian lion, dating to the Showa period, circa 1960s. This decorative figure depicts a lively shishi, often called a Foo Dog in Western collecting, standing protectively over a pierced tama ball.

The figure is richly decorated in white, red, gilt and polychrome enamels, with raised moriage detailing, pierced openings to the ball and bold sculptural modelling. The gilded mane, tail, claws and facial details give the piece a strong decorative presence, while the pierced brocade-style ball adds depth and visual interest.

Details:

Origin: Japan

Period: Showa period, circa 1960s

Material: Porcelain

Mark: Kutani mark to base

Length: 27 cm

Height: 25 cm

Decoration: Gilt, polychrome enamel and raised moriage detail

Form: Shishi guardian lion / Foo Dog with pierced tama ball

Condition:

Very good vintage condition, with no chips, cracks or repairs noted. There is minor wear consistent with age, including light rubbing to the gilding and small surface marks from handling and display. The figure presents beautifully and remains highly decorative.

Historical & Collector Context:

The shishi, or guardian lion, is a powerful protective figure in Japanese and East Asian art. Often seen at temples, shrines and important entrances, these lion-like guardians symbolise protection, strength and the warding off of negative energy. In Western collecting they are commonly described as Foo Dogs, although the Japanese term shishi or komainu is more accurate.

Kutani ware is one of Japan’s best-known ceramic traditions, associated with bold enamel colours, gilt decoration and expressive hand-painted ornament. By the Showa period, Kutani workshops produced many decorative figures and export pieces that combined traditional Japanese motifs with highly collectable mid-20th-century design.

This example is particularly appealing for its strong sculptural form, rich gilding, pierced tama ball and lively expression. It would display beautifully as a statement decorative object, a piece for a Japanese porcelain collection, or as a symbolic guardian figure for an interior.

A bold and decorative vintage Japanese Kutani shishi guardian lion, with excellent visual presence, gilt detail and strong collector appeal.