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ID #SA1177292
FOR SALE
£1,200
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Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi (Guardian Lion Dog), Edo–meiji Period, C.1840–1880
For sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €1,404     $1,524
£1,200
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Id #SA1177292
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Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi (Guardian Lion Dog), Edo–meiji Period, C.1840–1880

19th century
Description

A finely modelled Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi (guardian lion-dog), dating to the late Edo to early Meiji period, c.1840–1880. The figure is seated with the head turned slightly to one side, displaying the alert, animated expression characteristic of the Hirado sculptural school. The ribcage, limbs, and muzzle are crisply defined, and the mane, brows, and tail are decorated with the distinctive underglaze cobalt spiral curls associated with the Mikawachi kilns.

Made from Amakusa kaolin, the porcelain body is of fine, dense white clay with a soft bluish tone beneath a clear glaze. The tail is formed as a stylised plume with blue detailing, and the base is left unglazed, exactly as seen on authenticated Hirado figures of this date. The restrained blue-and-white palette reflects the refined aesthetic sought by the Hirado domain for presentation wares and high-status display.

A representative example of the elegant and precise workmanship that made Hirado porcelain highly regarded among samurai households and later Western collectors. Comparable examples can be found in the British Museum and the Kyushu Ceramic Museum collections.

Historical Background

The Hirado kilns in Mikawachi (Hizen Province) became renowned in the 18th and 19th centuries for their exceptionally pure white porcelain and finely crafted small sculptures. These works were originally produced for the ruling Matsura family of the Hirado domain and for diplomatic gifting. The karashishi motif symbolises vigilance and protection, merging Chinese guardian-lion imagery with Japanese religious and courtly iconography.

Measurements

Height: 10 cm / 3.9?

Width: 7.5 cm / 3.0? (approx.)

Depth: 7 cm / 2.75?

Weight: 200 g

Excellent antique condition. The piece has been UV-checked, confirming there is no restoration, repainting, or repair. The glaze is even and glossy, with small kiln specks and the light, natural surface wear expected of mid-19th-century Hirado porcelain. The base is unglazed with typical firing traces. No chips, cracks, structural damage, or losses.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully insured, tracked delivery.

Professional packaging with care taken for fragile ceramics.

International shipping available.

Physical Dimensions
Height
10cm (3.94")
Width
7.5cm (2.95")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1177292
Dealers Internal Reference
B1486
Description
A finely modelled Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi (guardian lion-dog), dating to the late Edo to early Meiji period, c.1840–1880.
“
The figure is seated with the head turned slightly to one side, displaying the alert, animated expression characteristic of the Hirado sculptural school.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The ribcage, limbs, and muzzle are crisply defined, and the mane, brows, and tail are decorated with the distinctive underglaze cobalt spiral curls associated with the Mikawachi kilns.

fig 1. A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail.
fig 1. Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi (Guardian Lion Dog), Edo–meiji Period, C.1840–1880

Made from Amakusa kaolin, the porcelain body is of fine, dense white clay with a soft bluish tone beneath a clear glaze. The tail is formed as a stylised plume with blue detailing, and the base is left unglazed, exactly as seen on authenticated Hirado figures of this date. The restrained blue-and-white palette reflects the refined aesthetic sought by the Hirado domain for presentation wares and high-status display.

fig 2. A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail.
fig 2. Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi (Guardian Lion Dog), Edo–meiji Period, C.1840–1880

A representative example of the elegant and precise workmanship that made Hirado porcelain highly regarded among samurai households and later Western collectors. Comparable examples can be found in the British Museum and the Kyushu Ceramic Museum collections.

fig 3. A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail.
fig 3. Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi (Guardian Lion Dog), Edo–meiji Period, C.1840–1880

Historical Background

The Hirado kilns in Mikawachi (Hizen Province) became renowned in the 18th and 19th centuries for their exceptionally pure white porcelain and finely crafted small sculptures. These works were originally produced for the ruling Matsura family of the Hirado domain and for diplomatic gifting. The karashishi motif symbolises vigilance and protection, merging Chinese guardian-lion imagery with Japanese religious and courtly iconography.

fig 4. A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail.
fig 4. Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi (Guardian Lion Dog), Edo–meiji Period, C.1840–1880

Measurements

Height: 10 cm / 3.9?

Width: 7.5 cm / 3.0? (approx.)

Depth: 7 cm / 2.75?

Weight: 200 g

Excellent antique condition. The piece has been UV-checked, confirming there is no restoration, repainting, or repair. The glaze is even and glossy, with small kiln specks and the light, natural surface wear expected of mid-19th-century Hirado porcelain. The base is unglazed with typical firing traces. No chips, cracks, structural damage, or losses.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully insured, tracked delivery.

Professional packaging with care taken for fragile ceramics.

International shipping available.

Height
10cm (3.94")
Width
7.5cm (2.95")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1177292
Dealers Internal Ref
B1486
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail.
1 / 9
Archive I A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail.

Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi (Guardian Lion Dog), Edo–meiji Period, C.1840–1880

Archive II A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail. View II
Archive III A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail. View III
Archive IV A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail. View IV
Archive V A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail. View V
Archive VI A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail. View VI
Archive VII A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail. View VII
Archive VIII A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail. View VIII
Archive IX A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 574
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
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A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail.
Japanese Hirado Porcelain Karashishi (Guardian Lion Dog), Edo–Meiji Period, c.1840–1880
Ref: SA1177292
A white Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi guardian lion dog sculpture featuring underglaze blue details on the brows, paws, and tail.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Figurines
  • Period19th century
  • StyleEdo-Meiji Period
  • MaterialPorcelain, Cobalt Underglaze
  • ColourWhite and Blue
  • MotifsCobalt blue detailing, Moulded curls, Seated posture, Flame-shaped tail
  • SizeH 10 cm (4 in) x W 7.5 cm (3 in) x D 7 cm (3 in)

This Japanese Hirado porcelain karashishi, or guardian lion-dog, dates from the late Edo to early Meiji period, specifically around 1840 to 1880. Modelled from fine white Amakusa kaolin clay beneath a clear glossy glaze, the figurine features a seated posture with the head turned slightly to one side, an animated expression, a defined ribcage, and a flame-shaped tail. Cobalt underglaze details in blue decorate the spiral curls on the brows, paws, and tail, while the base remains unglazed with firing traces. Measuring 10 cm high, 7.5 cm wide, and 7 cm deep, it is designed for display on a mantelpiece. The sculpture exemplifies the precise workmanship of the Mikawachi kilns, presenting the restrained blue-and-white palette typical of high-status Hirado presentation wares. The surface shows small kiln specks and natural wear consistent with mid-19th-century ceramics, with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repairs found under UV check. This decorative figurine serves as a refined addition to interiors focusing on maximalist wonderland or traditional display settings, bringing symbolic vigilance and protection to a living room, study, or cabinet.

FAQs

A Hirado Karashishi figurine is a Japanese porcelain sculpture representing a mythical guardian lion dog, historically produced at the Mikawachi kilns in Hizen province during the Edo and Meiji periods.

These figures were hand-sculpted or press-moulded using fine white porcelain clay, decorated with cobalt oxide underglaze painting, and finished with a clear glaze before high-temperature firing.

Authentic pieces exhibit high-purity white clay, precise brushwork in soft cobalt blue underglaze, smooth glazes, and detailed three-dimensional modelling around facial features and paws.

Place the sculpture on a dark wood mantle, console table, or display shelf alongside modern minimalist decor or curated art books to create visual contrast.

Dust regularly with a soft, dry microfibre brush, and if wash is required, use lukewarm water with gentle mild soap, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive sponges.
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