Japanese Shishi Guardian Lions
7 3/4 inch ht X 7inch w X 4 inch D Gilt Moriage Porcelain, possibly Kutani
I inherited a collection of Japanese art from my grandmother. She lived in Okinawa, Japan between 1950 -1960 with daughter who was a WAC Army Sargent stationed after WWII in Japan. Grandmother collected Japanese art and brought back to USA in 1960.
Inherited
Yes
The appraised work is a pair of Moriage Kutani-ware Shishi (Komainu), likely created during the Shōwa period (1926-1989) in Japan. The figurines depict guardian lions, which traditionally stood in front of Japanese shrines and temples. Japanese Komainu are derived from the Chinese Shihi, and were believed to have powerful mythic properties used to ward off evil spirits. The figurines are white with beige manes and tails and are decorated with light pink and blue moriage interspersed with gilt accents. The lions’ front paws rest on an elaborate sphere decorated with various floral motifs that resemble chrysanthemums.
The mark on the bottom appears to indicate that the figurines were likely made in Kutani (now part of Kaga), Ishikawa. Kutani-ware is characterized with overglaze painting. With its vivid colors and bold, unconventional patterns, it soon achieved high acclaim and was widely exported. The estimate provided is based on recent comparables offered and sold at auction. In many cases, prices for similar examples available on retail market vary and are often higher.
