An intricately sculpted Bizen pottery okimono in the shape of a pair of grappling Shishi dating from the later 19th to early 20th centuries enclosed in a period wooden storage box.It is 25 x 20 x 24 cm (10 x 8 x 9-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Bizen pottery, one of Japan’s oldest ceramic traditions, originates from Bizen Province (modern-day Okayama Prefecture) and dates back over 1,000 years. Renowned for its unglazed, earthy textures and natural ash glazes, it emerged during the Heian period (794–1185) and flourished in the Momoyama period (1573–1600). Saikumono, small, intricate sculptural pieces, became a hallmark, showcasing artisans' creativity.
