Roaring Shishi with Spiral Knobs by Murase Koji - Statuette Stoneware - Japan
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Stoneware hand-built Shishi sculpture by Murase Koji, produced at the Furuseto kiln in Seto, Japan, in cream; 20 cm high, 17 cm wide, 20 cm deep, weight 1729 g, signed and in good condition, accompanied by the original artist-inscribed wooden storage box.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a hand-built ceramic shishi (mythical guardian lion) figure by 村瀬甲二 Murase Koji, produced at the Furuseto kiln (古瀬戸窯), a workshop associated with the historic Seto ceramic tradition in Japan. The piece captures the shishi in a dynamic crouching pose, mouth open in a roar, with richly textured fur, spiraled knobs along the spine, and an expressive, sculptural face. The unglazed, stone-like surface finish gives the figure a rugged, archaic presence typical of hand-formed Seto stoneware.
The sculpture is accompanied by its original wooden storage box (共箱), inscribed and sealed by the artist, which adds to its provenance and authenticity as a studio-made work rather than a mass-produced piece.
Size
Height: 20 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 20 cm
Weight
1729 g
Condition
The figure shows a single chip to the rear of the tail, along with general surface dirt, light abrasions, and minor kiln-firing marks consistent with hand-built stoneware. The accompanying wooden box shows age-related staining and surface wear. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed visual assessment of condition.
Artist Profile
Murase Koji worked at the Furuseto kiln, a workshop carrying forward the ceramic traditions of Seto, one of Japan's most historically significant pottery-producing regions. His work in this genre favors bold, hand-built sculptural forms such as this shishi figure, emphasizing rough, unglazed stoneware surfaces and expressive detailing over refined, wheel-thrown production. Pieces of this kind are typically finished individually by hand, with the accompanying artist-inscribed wooden box (共箱) serving as a mark of studio authorship.
Additional Information
Artist: Murase Koji
Kiln: Furuseto kiln (古瀬戸窯), Seto ware tradition, Japan
Material: Hand-built stoneware
Provenance: Comes with original artist-inscribed wooden storage box (共箱)
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This is a hand-built ceramic shishi (mythical guardian lion) figure by 村瀬甲二 Murase Koji, produced at the Furuseto kiln (古瀬戸窯), a workshop associated with the historic Seto ceramic tradition in Japan. The piece captures the shishi in a dynamic crouching pose, mouth open in a roar, with richly textured fur, spiraled knobs along the spine, and an expressive, sculptural face. The unglazed, stone-like surface finish gives the figure a rugged, archaic presence typical of hand-formed Seto stoneware.
The sculpture is accompanied by its original wooden storage box (共箱), inscribed and sealed by the artist, which adds to its provenance and authenticity as a studio-made work rather than a mass-produced piece.
Size
Height: 20 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 20 cm
Weight
1729 g
Condition
The figure shows a single chip to the rear of the tail, along with general surface dirt, light abrasions, and minor kiln-firing marks consistent with hand-built stoneware. The accompanying wooden box shows age-related staining and surface wear. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed visual assessment of condition.
Artist Profile
Murase Koji worked at the Furuseto kiln, a workshop carrying forward the ceramic traditions of Seto, one of Japan's most historically significant pottery-producing regions. His work in this genre favors bold, hand-built sculptural forms such as this shishi figure, emphasizing rough, unglazed stoneware surfaces and expressive detailing over refined, wheel-thrown production. Pieces of this kind are typically finished individually by hand, with the accompanying artist-inscribed wooden box (共箱) serving as a mark of studio authorship.
Additional Information
Artist: Murase Koji
Kiln: Furuseto kiln (古瀬戸窯), Seto ware tradition, Japan
Material: Hand-built stoneware
Provenance: Comes with original artist-inscribed wooden storage box (共箱)
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Japan
Style
Antique inspired
Material
Stoneware
Artist
Murase Koji
Title of artwork
Roaring Shishi with Spiral Knobs by Murase Koji
Signature
Signed
Colour
Cream
Condition
Good condition
Height
20 cm
Width
17 cm
Depth
20 cm
Weight
1729 g
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