Japonista is a curated destination for Japanese cultural objects and garments, selected for integrity, presence, and long-term collector value.

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Yes. We offer international shipping with careful packing standards designed to protect delicate textiles and cultural objects.

What does museum-grade mean on your site?

Museum-grade refers to coherence and integrity: materials, technique, and condition align with a convincing internal logic and cultural presence.

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We describe condition with a collector’s lens, noting material aging, patina, and structural integrity so you can make confident decisions.

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Avoid harsh light, humidity swings, and compression. Store with breathable protection and handle gently to preserve structure and surface.

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Begin with one category you truly connect with, learn its visual language, and expand slowly. Depth of understanding matters more than volume.

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Japonista

Natural Jadeite Shishi Guardian Lion Pair on Carved Bases, Japan Gem Grading Center Certified, 18 kg

Name: Natural Jadeite Shishi Guardian Lion Pair on Carved Bases, Japan Gem Grading Center Certified, 18 kg
Brand: Japonista
SKU: 51902949097765
Price: 44620.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$44,620.00 USD

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Freight piece: please confirm delivery before purchase

This piece travels in a crate or by freight rather than standard mail, and may need careful dismantling before it can be packed. The shipping shown at checkout is an estimate. Japonista reserves the right to determine the final handling, crating and freight cost when your order is received, according to the piece, the destination and carrier conditions at that time.

We advise requesting a delivery quote before checkout. If the final cost is higher than the amount paid, we send the difference for your approval before dispatch. Your piece is held for you until it is settled.

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Acquired by private invoice

Pieces of this calibre are reserved personally rather than through online checkout. Request the piece and the curator desk confirms availability, delivery and your invoice, payable by bank transfer or Wise. The piece is held for you while your transfer arrives.

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Carved from natural jadeite and accompanied by Japan Gem Grading Center certificates, this pair of shishi guardian lions unites scale, weight and material authority. Luminous milky-white stone with vivid green inclusions shows a translucency rarely achieved in carvings of this size, placing the pair among uncommon large-scale jade works.

The Piece

The figures display powerful posture, expressive open mouths and finely articulated musculature, embodying the traditional role of the shishi as spiritual protectors. Traditionally symbols of protection, authority and prosperity, they serve today as a museum-grade interior anchor for serious collectors and institutions.

The jadeite shows luminous milky-white translucency with vivid green inclusions, indicating high-quality natural stone, and its transparency is unusually strong for carvings of this size. Each figure rests on a carved base that gives stability and visual contrast, and a combined weight of approximately 18 kg confirms these as architectural-grade objects rather than decorative figurines.

The pair suits collectors seeking true material authority, objects in which scale, weight, certification and cultural symbolism converge, whether for museum-style interiors, architectural foyers or collections focused on jade, guardian iconography or East Asian spiritual art.

Details

Subject: Shishi guardian lions, pair
Material: Natural jadeite, milky-white with vivid green inclusions; carved bases
Weight: Approx. 18 kg combined
Included: Certificates of Gem Identification from the Japan Gem Grading Center for both figures

Condition

Minor natural inclusions and internal structures are inherent to stone carvings and are not considered defects.

Authenticity & Care

Both shishi are accompanied by official Certificates of Gem Identification issued by the Japan Gem Grading Center verifying natural jadeite, and their visual characteristics align with natural jadeite. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

Considered offers are welcome through Send an Offer, and each one is reviewed personally. Pieces over $1,000 may be reserved over several payments with Layaway Privilege™.

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Temple to Home

Monumental statues, zushi shrines and altars travel crated and insured through our Museum-Grade Logistics Suite™. Seeking a particular deity or school? The Hunting Salon™ searches Japan for it. Arrange crating and freight →

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