Guardian Lion / Shisa / Sideways / Smoked Copper

Our "Sideways Shisa" features a charming pose: its body sits firmly facing the side, while its head is turned playfully toward you. It has a loyal and endearing look, as if it just paused during a stroll to check in and watch over you.

Hand-sculpted one by one by skilled artisans, this unique posture possesses a sense of lifelike vitality that differs from traditional forward-facing statues. Whether placed in your entryway or on the corner of your desk, your eyes will meet in a chance moment, making it a special companion that gently and reliably guards your everyday life.

Width：9.5cm
Depth：5.5cm
Height：12cm
Weight：930g

Ceramics

IKUTOUEN

Weaving the Spirit of Tsuboya into the Future

For over 300 years, Ikutoen has been a living part of the Tsuboya landscape—a place defined by red-tiled roofs, vine-covered stone walls, and ancient banyan trees. Under sixth-generation master Tadashi Takaesu, we continue to breathe life into Okinawan clay, honoring the "Senbori" carving and Shisa traditions passed down from his father, Ikuo. Our craftsmanship is fueled by a spirit of "Open Radiance"—a burning passion that brings together artisans, locals, and travelers alike. By creating pottery that resonates with the modern era, we aim to convey the warmth of the human hand and the joy of connection, ensuring that the beautiful scenery and soul of Tsuboya endure for generations to come.

ARTISAN STORY

Ikutoen Studio
Located in the historic Tsuboya district of Naha City, Ikutoen is a distinguished pottery studio (kamamoto) with a legacy spanning over 300 years of traditional Tsuboya-yaki craftsmanship.

The Takaesu family, who have stewarded this craft for generations, established Ikutoen as an independent studio during the fifth generation. Today, the lineage continues under the leadership of the sixth-generation master, Tadashi Takaesu.

With an unwavering commitment to using local Okinawan clay and original, handmade glazes, the studio is renowned for its iconic "Karakusa Senbori" (arabesque line carving) collection and its masterfully crafted Shisa (guardian lions).

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Certified Traditional Craftsman (sixth-generation master Tadashi Takaesu)

YACHIMUN / OKINAWAN POTTERY

About 600 years ago / 1400s / Ryukyu Kingdom Period

Yachimun simply means “pottery” in the Okinawan language. Its development was strongly shaped by the Ryukyu Kingdom’s maritime trade with China and Southeast Asia from the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries. In 1682 the royal government consolidated kilns in Tsuboya, Naha, creating a major center of production; after World War II, kilns also spread to places such as Yomitan.

In Okinawa, yachimun is deeply rooted in everyday life, appearing as sake vessels, bowls and plates. Bold brushwork, fish and arabesque motifs, and rich glazes give the ware an unmistakably southern character. It is still widely used in homes and restaurants, where the idea is that the vessel becomes complete through use.

A surprising detail is that Okinawan ceramics were not limited to tableware: elaborate ceramic ossuaries called zushi-game were once used to hold human remains. Tsuboya production also included both unglazed arayachi and colorful glazed joyachi, revealing a ceramic culture that served food, drink, prayer and funerary customs alike.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.