Lion incense holder by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 4.0cm x 6.5cm Height: 7.8cm

Lion incense holder (Shishikogo) by Onishi Rakusai

--The roar of the sacred beast resides in the palm of your hand, protecting the area--

1. Overview of the work

This lion-shaped incense container was created by Yatsushiro Onishi Rakusai of Akahada ware in Nara. At roughly 8cm tall, it fits in the palm of your hand, yet boasts a robust, muscular build and a charming face, and the gold-painted jewel held in its right forelimb exudes a fresh, lively air. It is divided into two halves in the center of the body, top and bottom, and has a practical design that allows for the storage of kneaded incense and aloeswood fragments inside.

2. Form and design

3. Glaze tones and techniques

Brown iron glaze
The iron contained in the Akahada clay melts with the iron glaze, and the reduction flame produces a rough brown to reddish-brown color. Parts of the kiln turn blue-purple, deepening the shadows of the lion's hair.

Gold Clay Firing <br data-start="685" data-end="688">A thin layer of gold clay is applied to the jewel and the tip of the fang, and then a low-temperature firing at around 700°C is carried out after the main firing to create an antique color that blends in with the skin.

One-piece sculpture → Lid cutting <br data-start="761" data-end="764">After carving the entire piece out of a lump of clay, it is cut horizontally with a saw blade when it is half dry to create a lid. The joints are ground together to ensure airtightness and smooth opening and closing.

4. Cultural background of the lion motif

The lion is an imaginary sacred beast that was introduced from China since ancient times, and has been used as a symbol of protection and warding off evil spirits in the form of guardian dogs and furnishings at shrines and temples.In Japanese design studies, the lion is also regarded as an auspicious design that represents "an auspicious beast that embodies the power of the sun" and "the mighty virtue of a king."
In the tea ceremony, lion-shaped incense containers were introduced as Chinese incense containers during the Momoyama period, and by the Edo period they were so popular that they were ranked among the top shaped incense containers in the East.

5. Arrangements at tea ceremonies

6. Onishi Rakusai's ceramics philosophy

Under the motto of "transforming the history and auspicious signs of Nara into modern tea pottery," Onishi Rakusai has devoted himself to deer, temple bells, and ruffled ornaments, as well as a series of auspicious beasts like this one. The contrast between the rough surface of the coarse clay and the gold paint, which expresses "hardness and softness" and "simplicity and elegance," can be said to skillfully combine the warm elegance of Akahada ware with the dignity of the lion.

The "Lion Incense Container" is a masterpiece that embodies the charming and protective roar of an auspicious beast, condensed into the palm of your hand. When you open the lid, the rising incense smoke envelops the jewel, as if the lion is exhaling a cloud of good fortune. Please use this container for seasonal changes or celebratory occasions, and enjoy the powerful design unique to Onishi Rakusai and the rich scenery of the red clay.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi