Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Majestic Bizen Ware Shishi Okimono — Rare Oversized Guardian Lion Sculpture, Approx. 86 cm Wide (Late-Edo Period Attribution)
Majestic Bizen Ware Shishi Okimono — Rare Oversized Guardian Lion Sculpture, Approx. 86 cm Wide (Late-Edo Period Attribution)
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A monumental Bizen ware shishi okimono — an oversized guardian-lion sculpture fired in the unglazed, high-temperature stoneware tradition for which Bizen is revered. With an imposing footprint (approx. 86 cm wide), it reads as a room-defining sculpture rather than a tabletop object.
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 material: unglazed clay transformed by flame and ash, producing natural depth and surface variation that cannot be replicated by paint.
Attribution: presented as late-Edo period attribution per listing context. Without independent authentication, period should be treated as seller-stated unless further documentation is supplied.
- Size: approx. 78 cm H × 86 cm W × 52 cm D
Cargo Shipping & Handling Notice
Due to the final packaged weight and/or dimensional requirements of this piece, standard parcel services such as Japan Post EMS, DHL, FedEx, or UPS are not applicable. This item will be shipped via cargo or freight-based shipping methods.
Cargo shipments require additional preparation time to ensure proper handling, which may include custom crating, reinforced packing, coordination with domestic logistics providers, and scheduling with international freight consolidators and export brokers. As a result, estimated delivery timelines typically range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on routing, carrier availability, and customs clearance procedures in the destination country.
Please note that actual shipping costs may differ from automated shipping calculator estimates. By default, a portion of the expected shipping cost may be reflected in the listing price. Any difference or discrepancy will be quoted separately once destination, delivery method, and handling requirements are confirmed.
We kindly ask that collectors contact us prior to purchase to request an exact, customized shipping quotation for their destination. This ensures full transparency and allows us to arrange the most appropriate, secure, and efficient shipping solution for this piece.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we take the necessary care to deliver this work safely.
Oversize logistics notice: plan for pallet + crate/plywood overpack with internal bracing. Parcel lanes are typically unsuitable for ceramics of this mass.
Estimated Weight (planning):
• Net (item): ~45 kg (conservative estimate; listing indicates very heavy)
• Packaged (crate + pallet): ~80 kg
Estimated Packed Size (planning):
• Crate: ~110 × 90 × 85 cm → ~0.84 m³
Non-negotiable packing spec (ceramic oversize):
1) Pallet base: capture and strap the crate to a pallet (prevents tip-over and rough handling)
2) Internal bracing: rigid foam blocks to immobilize all sides; zero movement permitted
3) Pressure management: no direct pressure on protruding features (mane, face, tail)
4) Plywood overpack: recommended; double-wall cartons are rarely adequate at this mass
5) Crush zones: reinforced corners + top/bottom rigid panels
6) Moisture barrier: mandatory for sea freight (bag + desiccant)
7) Documentation:
• Est. cost (directional):
- Asia: $1900 – $3,500
- North America: $3,100 – $4,800
- EU/UK: $3,100 – $5,900
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.
