*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a pair of wood-fired Bizen-ware komainu made about 20 years ago by Kataoka Seikan. Komainu are a pair consisting of one lion and one lion-dog. The closed-mouthed one on the left is a female lion-dog, and the open-mouthed one on the right is a male lion. Lions and lion dogs were first paired during the Heian Period. Prior to this pairs consisted of two open-mouthed lions. Komainu are usually found guarding the entrance of shrines and temples although these days it’s common to see small shishi style komainu protecting homes. The job of the female is to keep the good spirits inside of the building, hence her closed mouth. The male on the right has his mouth open to scare away all the bad spirits. The signature of the potter can be found on the back of each dog. 

Kataoka Seikan (b.1948) was born in Shiga Prefecture, and originally worked in the field of tableware manufacturing at a production kiln. He left manufacturing and turned to studio pottery, apprenticing under the highly esteemed, Mimura Tohaku. He became independent and built his own kiln in 1979. His work has been received favourably at competitions, he received the Encouragement Award at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition, was selected to exhibit at the Chunichi International Ceramic Arts Exhibition, and was also selected to exhibit at the prestigious Japan Ceramic Arts Exhibition. He is best known for his brilliant hidasuki wares. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Bizen-ware is generally known for its iron-like hardness, simple unglazed texture, and distinctive markings resulting from wood-burning kiln firing. Because of the clay composition, Bizen pottery is fired slowly over a long period of time. Firings take place only once or twice a year. They require the wood fire to be kept burning for 10-14 days, which involves long hours and tonnes of wood. Bizen clay is dug up from rice fields and this iron rich clay is what gives most Bizen-ware its dark colours, though, a few potters prefer to use lighter mountain clay.                                                                                       

Sizes

Open:  H.14.7cm (5.7”) x 11cm (4.3”) from back to front x 7.5cm (2.9”) across

Closed:  H.14.7cm (5.7”) x 11cm (4.3”) from back to front x 7.5cm (2.9”) across                    

Condition

They’re in perfect condition with no chips or cracks.                                                             

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA:  Airmail (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for Airmail or EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet option unavailable.

**UK and Canada:  EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet and regular Airmail is currently unavailable.

**Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.