Description

Xandre Store Exclusive: Celebrating Okinawan Artisanal Heritage Through Ceramic Fine Art

Discover a distinctive expression of Okinawan sculptural craftsmanship through this handcrafted pair of Shisa (シーサー) guardians by master ceramicist Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助) of Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯) in Onna Village, Okinawa. Formed from natural Akyamu (赤土) red clay and fired without a surface glaze, these guardian figures retain the warm, earthy character of Okinawan terracotta. Intricately sculpted manes, expressive faces, and individually carved details give each figure a strong sculptural presence. Traditionally associated with protection and prosperity, Shisa remains among Okinawa's most recognizable cultural symbols. This pair brings that living tradition into the contemporary collector's home as both decorative ceramic sculpture and a tangible expression of Okinawan heritage.

Okinawan Shisa: Guardians of Ryukyu Tradition

The Shisa is an iconic Okinawan guardian figure whose origins are connected to the broader lion imagery of East Asian and Ryukyu cultural traditions. Traditionally placed on rooftops, gates, entrances, and other prominent locations, Shisa are commonly presented as complementary pairs. One figure is typically depicted with an open mouth (阿 / A) and the other with a closed mouth (吽 / Un), symbolizing complementary protective roles. This paired arrangement remains an important part of Okinawan visual culture, while contemporary ceramic artists continue to reinterpret the guardian in their own sculptural language.

Katsunosuke Futamata: Handcrafted Okinawan Akyamu Shisa Guardians

Crafted by Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助) of Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯), this pair showcases the distinctive visual character of unglazed Okinawan red-clay sculpture. The absence of a conventional surface glaze allows the natural terracotta body to remain the dominant visual element. Deeply modeled mane curls, pronounced brows, sculpted eyes, and stylized anatomical details create an expressive, almost animated quality. Each figure bears the “勝” (Katsu) studio/artist mark impressed into the clay, providing an identifying feature of the work.

Highlights

1. Master Potter Craftsmanship: Individually formed and sculpted by Katsunosuke Futamata of Futamata Kiln.
2. Complete Guardian Pair: Includes complementary open-mouth and closed-mouth Shisa figures.
3. Traditional Akyamu Red Clay: Uses natural Okinawan red clay with an unglazed terracotta finish.
4. Expressive Hand Sculpting: Detailed mane curls, facial features, limbs, and body contours demonstrate the character of individually modeled sculpture.
5. Futamata Studio Mark: Each figure bears the “勝” mark associated with the artist/studio.
6. Living Okinawan Heritage: Combines traditional guardian symbolism with collectible contemporary ceramic sculpture.

Curator's Note

The appeal of this pair lies in its material simplicity and sculptural expression. Without a decorative glaze covering the surface, the natural red clay becomes an essential part of the artwork. Firing variations reveal subtle differences in tone and texture, while hand-carved mane details and facial expressions ensure that each Shisa possesses its own personality.

As a pair, the figures also retain the cultural meaning of the traditional Shisa guardian while remaining versatile enough for contemporary interior display.

Specifications

1. Master Craftsman: Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助)
2. Studio: Futamata Kiln / Kobo Katsugama (工房勝窯)
3. Origin: Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
4. Category: Okinawan Ceramic Sculpture / Shisa Guardians / Fine Craft
5. Collection: Futamata Kiln Traditional Akyamu Shisa Collection
6. Craft Tradition: Okinawan Yachimun / Unglazed Red-Clay Sculpture (赤土無釉陶器)
7. Material: Natural Okinawan red clay (Akyamu / 赤土)
8. Finish: Unglazed, naturally fired terracotta
9. Color: Warm terra-cotta red-orange
10. Mark: “勝” studio/artist mark

Approximate Dimensions - Each Statue

1. Height: 13.5–15.5 cm (5.3–6.1 in)
2. Width, chest to tail: 14.0–16.0 cm (5.5–6.3 in)
3. Depth: 8.5–10.0 cm (3.3–3.9 in)
4. Total Pair Weight: Approx. 1,100–1,400 g
5. Packaging: Presentation packaging with protective cushioning and available studio documentation
6. Quantity: One complete pair - two Shisa figures, open-mouth and closed-mouth

Dimensions, clay coloration, firing marks, and sculptural details may vary slightly because each figure is individually crafted.

Historic Material & Authenticity

The character of these Shisa figures comes from their Okinawan origin, traditional guardian form, natural red-clay construction, and individual studio craftsmanship. Each figure is separately shaped, carved, and fired rather than produced as a visually identical mass-market object. Consequently, variations in clay tone, surface texture, firing coloration, mane depth, facial expression, and small sculptural details are natural characteristics of the process.

The “勝” mark impressed into the clay provides an important identifying feature associated with Katsunosuke Futamata and Futamata Kiln.

Where available, original studio documentation, provenance information, or accompanying materials should be retained with the pieces as part of the collector's permanent record.

Care Instructions

Unglazed terracotta is naturally porous and should be handled accordingly. For routine care, dust gently using a soft, dry brush or microfiber cloth. If necessary, wipe or rinse lightly with clean water and allow the figures to air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid:

1. Harsh chemical cleaners
2. Abrasive scrubbers
3. Prolonged soaking
4. Submerging in soapy water
5. Dishwasher cleaning
6. Direct flame or intense heat
7. Sudden temperature changes

Because the surface is unglazed, avoid leaving the figures in persistently damp environments.

Shipping & International Orders

Domestic shipping within Japan is available with protective packaging designed for ceramic sculpture. International orders may be subject to shipping charges, import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or other applicable local taxes. Such charges remain the responsibility of the recipient. Xandre Store - Connecting collectors with the craftsmanship, heritage, and stories behind Japan's regional artistic traditions.