▲This is a "Shishi" (Guardian Lion) figurine made in the tradition of Gennai-yaki, a celebrated ceramic style from Sanuki (modern-day Kagawa Prefecture) that originated under the tutelage of the Edo-period polymath Hiraga Gennai.
▲The ears have undergone a professional restoration known as "Tomonaoshi"—a traditional Japanese technique where the repair is meticulously finished with a matching green glaze to preserve the original character.
▲The underside of the belly is stamped with the seal "Hiraga Kyukei" (Gennai’s pen name).
Dimensions: 11.5 cm × 18 cm, Height 15 cm
Period: Late Edo to Meiji Period (19th century)
This is a "Shishi" (Guardian Lion) figurine made in the tradition of Gennai-yaki, a celebrated ceramic style from Sanuki (modern-day Kagawa Prefecture) that originated under the tutelage of the Edo-period polymath Hiraga Gennai.
The underside of the belly is stamped with the seal "Hiraga Kyukei" (Gennai’s pen name). This mark identifies the piece as a sophisticated example from the late Edo to early Meiji period, created by skilled successors who faithfully preserved the aesthetic legacy and techniques of the original Gennai-yaki.
The piece features the vibrant green and yellow glazes that are synonymous with this ware. From its fiercely wide eyes to its menacingly open mouth, the intricate molding is filled with a dynamic vitality that captures the spirit of the mythical beast in exquisite detail.
The ears have undergone a professional restoration known as "Tomonaoshi"—a traditional Japanese technique where the repair is meticulously finished with a matching green glaze to preserve the original character. This seamless restoration ensures that the piece's aesthetic beauty remains entirely intact; indeed, it serves as a testament to the care and respect with which this figurine has been passed down through generations.
Whether displayed as a powerful symbol of protection to ward off evil or as a distinguished accent for a refined interior, we invite you to enjoy the timeless presence and spirit of this masterpiece.
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