Item Description A magnificently sculpted Kutani ware (Kutani-yaki) figurine of a shishi — the guardian lion of Japanese Buddhist and Shinto tradition — poised triumphantly atop a decorative temari ball. This bold yet refined piece exemplifies the virtuosity of Kutani ceramic craftsmanship: the lion's body is rendered in lustrous white glaze, its mane, brows, and curling fur highlighted with brilliant gold overglaze (kin-e) that catches the light with regal intensity. Every surface rewards close inspection. The lion's muscular form is covered in fine raised relief patterns — spiralling fur, chrysanthemum rosettes, and scrolling cloud motifs — each individually gilded to create a shimmering, three-dimensional texture. The face is powerfully modelled, with a wide-open mouth revealing gilded fangs and a vivid vermillion tongue, commanding and auspicious in equal measure. The tail erupts in an extravagant plume of swirling curls, a hallmark of the finest Kutani shishi figures. The temari ball beneath the lion's paw is a tour de force of polychrome decoration: a deep crimson ground covered in intricate openwork (sukashi) reveals a secondary layer of floral and spiral motifs in blue, orange, white, and green, with gold accent centres — a striking contrast to the pure white body of the lion above. The base is marked with the red-painted inscription Kutani (九谷), confirming its origin in the celebrated Kaga ceramic tradition of Ishikawa Prefecture. Size Height: 19 cm Width: 17 cm Depth: 14.7 cm Weight 1,215 g Condition Very good condition overall, with minor signs of age consistent with an antique piece. The white glaze and gold decoration remain vivid and largely intact. No chips, cracks, or restoration noted. No box included. Artist Profile Kutani ware (九谷焼) is one of Japan's most distinguished porcelain traditions, originating in the Kaga domain (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture) in the mid-17th century. Renowned for its bold overglaze painting in deep reds, greens, blues, yellows, and purples — and, in later periods, for its lavish gold work — Kutani porcelain has been exported to Europe since the Meiji era and remains highly prized by international collectors. Figurative Kutani pieces such as this shishi exemplify the tradition's mastery of sculptural form combined with decorative painting. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL , FedEx or Japan Post depend on the situation. It takes about 10 days 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 Customs 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 us and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. We do appreciate for your kind cooperation.