Okimono monumental de cerámica Bizen de gres sin esmaltar con león guardián shishi, atribuido al Edo tardío, 86 cm de ancho

Fired in the unglazed, high-temperature stoneware tradition for which Bizen is revered, this guardian lion spans about 86 cm, a room-defining sculpture rather than a tabletop object. Flame and ash have given the clay a natural depth and surface variation that no paint can replicate, reinforcing the shishi's ancient role as protector.

The Piece

The shishi is a protector figure in Japanese visual culture, associated with warding off misfortune and stabilizing a space. Here that symbolism is reinforced by the material itself: unglazed clay transformed by flame and ash in the kiln, producing natural depth and surface variation.

Bizen ware, made in Okayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest stoneware traditions, known for long firings without glaze in which the effects of fire and ash become the decoration. At an imposing footprint of about 86 cm wide and 78 cm high, this okimono belongs to architectural rather than shelf scale.

Details

• Era: Late Edo period (provisional attribution)
• Origin: Japan (Bizen ware)
• Material: Unglazed high-fired stoneware
• Measurements: Approx. 78 cm H × 86 cm W × 52 cm D
• Weight: Net approx. 45 kg (conservative estimate); packaged with crate and pallet approx. 80 kg
• Shipping: Cargo or freight only; exceeds standard parcel services (EMS, DHL, FedEx, UPS). Crate approx. 110 × 90 × 85 cm (~0.84 m³); delivery typically 6 to 10 weeks; directional freight estimates: Asia $1900 – $3,500, North America $3,100 – $4,800, EU/UK $3,100 – $5,900; exact quote per destination

Condition

Natural flame and ash surface variation of unglazed Bizen stoneware; the photographs form part of the condition record.

Oversize Crating Plan

Parcel lanes are typically unsuitable for ceramics of this mass. The piece is planned for a pallet with crate or plywood overpack and internal bracing.

• Pallet base: crate captured and strapped to a pallet to prevent tip-over and rough handling
• Internal bracing: rigid foam blocks immobilizing all sides, with zero movement permitted
• Pressure management: no direct pressure on protruding features (mane, face, tail)
• Plywood overpack recommended, as double-wall cartons are rarely adequate at this mass
• Crush zones: reinforced corners with rigid top and bottom panels
• Moisture barrier with bag and desiccant, mandatory for sea freight

Authenticity & Care

Presented as late Edo period; without independent authentication, the period should be treated as provisional unless further documentation is supplied. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Crated in Japan and shipped insured by air or sea freight. A freight quote is confirmed with you before dispatch through our Museum-Grade Logistics Suite™. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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