Large Celadon Qilin Guardian Pair — Edo Period Japanese Porcelain — Mythical Beast Sculptures (48 cm)

Object Overview

This matched pair of celadon qilin guardian sculptures emphasizes physical presence, balance, and symbolic authority.

This imposing pair of celadon qilin presents a rare convergence of scale, material weight, and symbolic authority. Rising to approximately 48 cm in height, each figure is modeled with emphatic musculature, sharply articulated manes, and tightly coiled tails, projecting a commanding presence traditionally associated with guardian placement.

The qilin—often understood as a benevolent yet formidable mythical beast—has long been associated with moral order, protection, and the arrival of auspicious eras. Unlike lions or dogs of purely defensive posture, qilin figures embody restrained power, expressed here through upright stance, lifted heads, and controlled movement rather than aggression.

The celadon glaze exhibits a soft jade-like tonality with pooled thickness in recesses and lighter translucency across raised scales, reinforcing depth and sculptural clarity. Subtle firing variations and glaze flow are consistent with traditional kiln practices and contribute to surface vitality rather than detract from form.

The sheer physicality of these figures—each weighing nearly seven kilograms—places them firmly within the realm of serious architectural or interior guardians. Such works were not conceived as shelf objects but as spatial anchors, historically positioned at thresholds, alcoves, or formal interior axes.

Cultural & Symbolic Significance

The qilin represents protection, moral order, and auspicious balance.

Material, Form & Craft

Material: High-fired porcelain with celadon glaze and substantial wall thickness.
Form: Three-dimensional guardian sculpture pair  .
Construction emphasizes mass, stability, and vertical presence.

Condition

Visible surface wear and minor glaze irregularities consistent with age and handling. No major structural damage observed.

Dimensions & Weight

• Height: approx. 48 cm
• Width: approx. 28 cm
• Depth: approx. 17 cm
• Weight: approx. 6.9 kg / 6.8 kg

Collector Resonance

This pair will resonate with collectors who value sculptural authority, mythological symbolism, and physical material presence. Availability of matched pairs at this scale is intermittent.

Shipping & Logistics

Estimated packaged weight: approx. 25-30 kg.

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.