*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 VERY SMALL sized Ryukyu-ware shisa made around 20-30 years ago. They are made of red earthenware clay and made with a mould. This unglazed type of Ryukyu-ware is known as the ‘arayachi’ type, unglazed arayachi wares may be red, brown or white in colour. This particular pair of shisa is compact in size and perfect for popping on a shelf.  

Shisa are a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, from Okinawan mythology. People place pairs of shisa on their rooftops or flanking the gates to their houses. Shisa are believed to protect from homes from various types of evils. When in pairs, the left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth, the right one an open mouth. The open mouth wards off evil spirits, and the closed mouth keeps good spirits in.

Ryukyu-ware refers to earthenware and stoneware pottery produced on the Ryukyu Islands. It first appeared during the Gusuku period (1100s-1400s) and was influenced by utilitarian wares from China. It may be glazed or unglazed and mainly consists of ornaments like shisa, large pottery jars known as tsubo, tableware and to a lesser extent large urns. Ryukyu-ware is also known as Nanban-ware, although this is more typically unglazed pieces. Tsuboya-ware is now the centre of pottery production in Okinawa after kilns in Misato, Shuri and Naha were grouped together under the Ryukyu government in 1682.                                                                                                                                       

Sizes

Open Mouth:  H.7.3cm (2.8”) x 7.8cm (3”) across x 6cm (2.3”) from back to front

Closed Mouth:  H.6.8cm (2.6”) x 7.7cm (3”) across x 6cm (2.3”) from back to front               

Condition

They are in very good condition with no chips or cracks, however both have white on the tip of their tail and ears, and also on their toes.                                                                    

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.