狮子香合（狮子香盒）- 签名的 tomobako - 陶瓷 - Itō Keiraku 伊東桂楽 - 日本 - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

Itō Keiraku - Kōgō - Kyoto ware incense container in the form of a shishi lion head with gold teeth - signed tomobako - #C118

[Overview]

This item is a kōgō (incense container) in the form of a shishi (Japanese guardian lion) head, made by the Kyoto potter Itō Keiraku. A kōgō holds the incense used in the Japanese tea ceremony, and figural kōgō such as this one are among the most sought-after by collectors for their sculptural charm.

The lion's head is modelled with wonderful vigour: bulging eyes with gold pupils, curling mane and brows in deep green, and a wide grinning mouth with gleaming gold teeth — the mouth forming the lid of the container. The body is covered in a soft coral-red glaze in the Kyoto overglaze tradition. The shishi is a protective, auspicious creature in Japanese culture, familiar from shrine guardians and the lion dance (shishimai) performed at New Year.

This item bears the artist's incised signature and comes with its wooden storage box (tomobako) inscribed "Shishi kōgō, Keiraku zō" (lion incense container, made by Keiraku) with the artist's signature and seal.

[Key Features]

・Kyoto ware kōgō in the form of a shishi lion head with gold teeth and green mane.
・Auspicious, protective motif associated with the New Year lion dance.
・Incised artist's signature on the piece; signed and sealed tomobako.
・A playful, sculptural highlight for any collection of Japanese tea utensils.

[Estimated Period / Background]

This item is believed to date from the second half of the 20th century. The shishi has been a beloved subject of Japanese ceramics for centuries, and lion-form kōgō are traditionally used at celebratory tea gatherings, especially around the New Year.

[Condition]

This item remains in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks or restorations. The tomobako is well preserved. Please refer to the photos, which form part of the description.

[Dimensions / Weight]

Height: approximately 4.0 cm
Width: approximately 8.0 cm
Depth: approximately 6.0 cm
Item weight: approximately 141 g
Total weight including storage box: approximately 200 g

[Provenance / Notes]

Acquired at a Japanese antique market. Reference: #C118

[Shipping]

The item will be packed carefully using appropriate protective materials and shipped from Japan by FedEx or DHL. Tracking information will be provided after shipment.

Please note: import duties, taxes and customs clearance fees are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer and vary by country — please check with your local customs office before bidding.