Ashtray - Bronze - Exquisite Shishi
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€ 1
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a heavy vintage Japanese ashtray made of gold-toned bronze (brass-based alloy) with Shishi(Japanese Lions), often known as Komainu or guardian lions, are legendary, mystical creatures that symbolize ultimate protection, strength, and good fortune.
A Symbol of Courage: It serves as a daily visual reminder to face your fears and conquer your goals.
Spiritual Protection: Just as they guard sacred shrines, the Shishi on your item is said to shield your home, career, and loved ones from negativity.
A Legacy of Triumph: It honors the timeless journey of overcoming hardships and emerging stronger.
Unlike ordinary lions, Shishi are divine beasts rooted in ancient Asian mythology. They are famously depicted with majestic, curly manes, vibrant expressions, and a powerful stance. Traditionally standing as stone statues at the entrances of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, they act as spiritual guardians that ward off evil spirits and invite positive energy into the space.
Square in form with cigarette rests on all four sides, the central lid features a high-relief depiction of the sacred beast "shishi (komainu)," set within a square panel intricately carved with swirling mane details. The four corners are decorated with dragon-head relief ornaments, and the wide outer border is continuously engraved with chrysanthemum and arabesque (karakusa) patterns.
Opening the lid reveals a recessed compartment for collecting ash, cast in the same gold-toned metal as the main body.
The underside of the base bears the engraved inscription "Iwai Shoro Kinen Nishitani Motohiro" (祝 初老記念 西谷元廣), indicating that this piece was made as a commemorative gift. In Japan, there is a tradition of celebrating the age of forty (by the traditional counting system) as "shoro," and this piece is believed to have been created as a gift to mark that milestone.
Ashtrays of this type were used as practical household items in living rooms and reception rooms, while also being appreciated as decorative objects.
Dimensions
Height: 8 cm
Width: 21 cm
Depth: 21 cm
Weight
1174 g
Condition
Minor scratches and surface tarnishing from age and use are visible in various areas, and the gold finish has faded slightly in places. No cracks, dents, or losses are apparent in the cast relief decoration.
Additional Information
Material: Gold-toned cast bronze (brass-based)
Origin: Japan
Motifs: Shishi (sacred beast), dragon heads, chrysanthemum and arabesque (karakusa)
Note: Commemorative inscription on the underside of the base ("祝 初老記念 西谷元廣")
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateItem Description
This is a heavy vintage Japanese ashtray made of gold-toned bronze (brass-based alloy) with Shishi(Japanese Lions), often known as Komainu or guardian lions, are legendary, mystical creatures that symbolize ultimate protection, strength, and good fortune.
A Symbol of Courage: It serves as a daily visual reminder to face your fears and conquer your goals.
Spiritual Protection: Just as they guard sacred shrines, the Shishi on your item is said to shield your home, career, and loved ones from negativity.
A Legacy of Triumph: It honors the timeless journey of overcoming hardships and emerging stronger.
Unlike ordinary lions, Shishi are divine beasts rooted in ancient Asian mythology. They are famously depicted with majestic, curly manes, vibrant expressions, and a powerful stance. Traditionally standing as stone statues at the entrances of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, they act as spiritual guardians that ward off evil spirits and invite positive energy into the space.
Square in form with cigarette rests on all four sides, the central lid features a high-relief depiction of the sacred beast "shishi (komainu)," set within a square panel intricately carved with swirling mane details. The four corners are decorated with dragon-head relief ornaments, and the wide outer border is continuously engraved with chrysanthemum and arabesque (karakusa) patterns.
Opening the lid reveals a recessed compartment for collecting ash, cast in the same gold-toned metal as the main body.
The underside of the base bears the engraved inscription "Iwai Shoro Kinen Nishitani Motohiro" (祝 初老記念 西谷元廣), indicating that this piece was made as a commemorative gift. In Japan, there is a tradition of celebrating the age of forty (by the traditional counting system) as "shoro," and this piece is believed to have been created as a gift to mark that milestone.
Ashtrays of this type were used as practical household items in living rooms and reception rooms, while also being appreciated as decorative objects.
Dimensions
Height: 8 cm
Width: 21 cm
Depth: 21 cm
Weight
1174 g
Condition
Minor scratches and surface tarnishing from age and use are visible in various areas, and the gold finish has faded slightly in places. No cracks, dents, or losses are apparent in the cast relief decoration.
Additional Information
Material: Gold-toned cast bronze (brass-based)
Origin: Japan
Motifs: Shishi (sacred beast), dragon heads, chrysanthemum and arabesque (karakusa)
Note: Commemorative inscription on the underside of the base ("祝 初老記念 西谷元廣")
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Weight
1174 g
Title additional information
Exquisite Shishi
Number of objects
1
Material
Bronze
Country of origin
Japan
Colour
Bronze
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
8 cm
Width
21 cm
Depth
21 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
