Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Nishimura Harusei Bizen Ware Shishi Incense Burner — Dynamic 'Leaping Lion' Sculpture, Finely Carved Detail, Tomobako
Nishimura Harusei Bizen Ware Shishi Incense Burner — Dynamic 'Leaping Lion' Sculpture, Finely Carved Detail, Tomobako
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A masterful Bizen ware incense burner (koro) in the form of a spirited shishi — the protective “lion-dog” guardian of temple gates — captured mid-leap atop a richly fired spherical base. Attributed to Nishimura Harusei (Kyoto-born; 1886–1953), the piece is admired for uncompromising craftsmanship and extremely fine carving.
What makes this work exceptional is its sense of motion and balance: lifted body, taut musculature, extended claws, and a curling tail that reads as a single frozen second of energy. Bizen’s unglazed, high-temperature firing lets ash and flame create natural surface shifts that keep the sculpture visually alive.
Detail: the carving is described as extraordinarily precise — fur texture, tongue, and even the teeth are rendered with meticulous attention. For collectors, this level of sharpness is a strong quality marker in sculptural Bizen.
Function: a koro incense burner intended for a small ash/charcoal setup, while also serving as a tokonoma-worthy display object — a Japanese intersection of utility and sculpture.
Condition: kiln “smoke” residue is noted inside the burner chamber (a normal firing artifact) and does not impact the exterior. Includes a wooden storage box (tomobako).
- Overall length: approx. 21.2 cm
- Overall width / height (ear to foot): approx. 12.8 cm
- Height: approx. 7.0 cm
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.
