Guardian Lion / Shisa / Micro

Product Description

Product Story

General Product Information

Micro Shisa: A tiny guardian filled with Okinawan tradition and artisan skill.
Each Micro Shisa is a masterpiece, condensing the rich heritage of Okinawa and the dedication of our craftsmen into a small, delicate form.
We create every single piece with a heartfelt wish: that it becomes a reliable companion watching over you, and that its charming expression brings a gentle smile to your soul. Each one is birthed with care and delivered to you nestled safely in its own box.

"Yachimun" (Okinawan pottery) and Shisa change their expressions dramatically depending on the clay, glaze, and firing technique used. To share the profound depth of Tsuboya-yaki (Tsuboya ware), we have carefully selected six distinct varieties.

We invite you to explore the unique textures and colors of each piece to find your very own favorite Micro Shisa.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：600 years ago / 1400AD / Muromachi period in Japan

The history of Yachimun (Okinawan pottery) spans over 600 years. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, during the golden age of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s maritime trade, ceramics and "Nanban-yaki" techniques were introduced from China and Southeast Asia. During this era, imported pottery was the mainstay, and local production remained limited.

A significant turning point occurred in 1609, following the invasion of Ryukyu by the Satsuma Domain. With trade heavily restricted under occupation, the kingdom was forced to develop self-sufficient industries for daily necessities. In 1682, seeking to bolster local industry, King Sho Tei of the Ryukyu Dynasty consolidated three scattered kilns—Wakuta, Takaguchi, and Chibana—into a single district south of Makishi in Naha.

This newly established pottery center was named "Tsuboya," and the ceramics produced there became known as "Tsuboya-yaki." This consolidation marks the official birth and the enduring legacy of Tsuboya-yaki.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

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).

Craftsman Passion

"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.

 

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：3cm
Depth：5cm
Height：5cm
Weight：55g

Material & Caution

Materials

Ceramics

 

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about a month for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.