Lion incense holder by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 4.0cm x 6.5cm Height: 7.8cm

Lion incense holder (Shishi Kogo) Made by Rakusai Onishi

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

1. Overview of the work

This is a lion-shaped incense container made by the Yatsushiro Onishi Rakusai of Akahada ware in Nara. It is about 8cm tall, but has a sturdy build and a charming face, and the gold-painted jewel it holds in its right forelimb gives it an even more refreshing air. It is divided into two parts, top and bottom, in the center of the body, and has a practical structure that can hold incense paste and aloeswood pieces inside.

2. Form and design

3. Glaze tones and techniques

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

Gold Mud Firing <br data-start="685" data-end="688">A thin layer of gold mud is applied to the jewel and the tip of the tusk, and then a low-temperature firing at around 700℃ after the final firing is carried out 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 out the entire shape from a lump of clay, it is cut horizontally using 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 in ancient times, and has been used as a symbol of protection and warding off evil spirits in the form of guardian lions and furnishings at shrines and temples. In Japanese design studies, the lion is also considered an auspicious design that represents "an auspicious beast that harbors the power of the sun" and "the mighty virtue of a king."
In the tea ceremony, the lion-shaped incense container was introduced as a Chinese incense container during the Momoyama period, and during the Edo period it became so popular that it was ranked among the top shaped incense containers in the East.

5. Arrangements at the tea ceremony

6. Mr. Onishi Rakusai's ceramics philosophy

Under the belief of "transforming the history and auspiciousness of Nara into modern tea pottery," Onishi Rakusai has been focusing on auspicious beast series such as this work in addition to deer, temple bells, and shibo. The contrast between the rough surface of the coarse clay and the gold paint expresses "hardness and softness" and "simplicity and elegance," and is a skillful combination of the gentle elegance of Akahada ware and the dignity of the lion.

7. Summary

The "Lion Incense Container" is a masterpiece that condenses an auspicious beast that combines a protective roar with charm in 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 it at seasonal turning points and celebratory occasions, and enjoy the powerful design unique to Onishi Rakusai and the rich scenery of the red clay.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi – High-end pottery specialty store [Amagi-do]