Nishimura Harusei Bizen Ware Shishi Incense Burner, Leaping Guardian Lion Koro, Finely Carved, with Tomobako

A Bizen ware incense burner in which a spirited shishi, the lion-dog guardian of temple gates, is caught mid-leap above a richly fired spherical base. Attributed to the Kyoto-born Nishimura Harusei (1886–1953), it is admired for uncompromising craftsmanship and carving fine enough to render fur, tongue and teeth.

The Piece

This Bizen ware incense burner (koro) takes the form of a spirited shishi, the protective lion-dog guardian of temple gates, captured mid-leap atop a richly fired spherical base. It is attributed to Nishimura Harusei (Kyoto-born; 1886–1953) and admired for uncompromising craftsmanship and extremely fine carving.

What sets the work apart is its sense of motion and balance: the lifted body, taut musculature, extended claws and curling tail read as a single frozen second of energy. Bizen's unglazed, high-temperature firing lets ash and flame create natural shifts across the surface that keep the sculpture visually alive.

The carving is extraordinarily precise, with fur texture, tongue and even the teeth rendered with meticulous attention. In sculptural Bizen, this level of sharpness is a strong marker of quality.

As a koro, the piece is intended for a small ash-and-charcoal setup, yet it serves equally as a display object worthy of the tokonoma, a characteristically Japanese meeting of utility and sculpture.

Details

• Maker: Attributed to Nishimura Harusei (Kyoto-born; 1886–1953)
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Bizen ware, unglazed high-fired stoneware
• Measurements: Overall length approx. 21.2 cm · Overall width / height (ear to foot) approx. 12.8 cm · Height approx. 7.0 cm
• Included: Wooden storage box (tomobako)
• Form: Koro (incense burner) with leaping shishi on a spherical base

Condition

• Kiln smoke residue is noted inside the burner chamber, a normal firing artifact.
• The residue does not affect the exterior.

Authenticity & Care

Attributed to Nishimura Harusei and accompanied by a wooden tomobako; the description does not state a signature or box inscription. 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.

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