Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Edo-Period Bronze Shishi Incense Burner — Gilt-Accented Guardian Lion Sculpture
Edo-Period Bronze Shishi Incense Burner — Gilt-Accented Guardian Lion Sculpture
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This Edo-period bronze shishi incense burner is cast in the form of a dynamic guardian lion, combining ritual function with mythological symbolism. Traces of gilding accent the sculpted surface, enhancing visual depth and ceremonial presence.
Shishi figures traditionally serve as protectors of sacred space. When integrated into an incense burner, the rising smoke activates the sculpture’s symbolic role, transforming aromatic offering into a visual expression of devotion.
Wear, patina, and surface abrasions are consistent with age and ritual use, affirming authenticity as a historic ceremonial object rather than a decorative reproduction.
The expressive posture, open mouth, and muscular articulation align with shishi iconography associated with vigilance and protection. The presence of incense-burning functionality suggests placement within a Buddhist altar, temple interior, or ceremonial environment where incense smoke activates the guardian symbolism.
While exact workshop attribution cannot be confirmed, the casting quality and sculptural confidence correspond to Edo-period metalwork traditions that balanced functional design with mythic expressiveness.
What is this object?
This piece is a shishi-form incense burner, designed for the burning of incense within Buddhist, ceremonial, or contemplative settings.
Collector Relevance
Bronze shishi incense burners from the Edo period are sought after for their sculptural dynamism, ritual functionality, and cross-disciplinary appeal to collectors of Japanese metalwork and religious art.
Collector’s Resonance
This sculpture resonates with collectors drawn to objects that merge utility, symbolism, and expressive craftsmanship.
Condition
Age-related wear, patina, and surface abrasions consistent with period use.
Dimensions
Approx. Width 30 cm × Depth 20 cm × Height 25 cm
Confidence & Verification Notes
Descriptions are based on visual analysis. No inscriptions or documentation accompany the piece. All statements are provided in good-faith scholarly language.
Authenticity & Stewardship
Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:
- Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
- Iconographic and stylistic verification
- Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
- Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation
Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.
A Note on Stewardship and Collecting
At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.
Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.
Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration
Some of the cultural and heritage works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.
If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.
Concierge Support & Collector Guidance
Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.
For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.
Before Proceeding
We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.
A Closing Note
Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Oriental Cultural Heritage and arts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.
If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.
