Description

Xandre Store Limited Commemorative Edition

Celebrate Okinawan cultural heritage through a distinctive Shisa guardian sculpture handcrafted by Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣 勝之助) of Katsu-gama (勝窯) in Onna Village, Okinawa.

Commissioned by Xandre LLC, this special limited release was conceived as a commemorative work honoring the enduring cultural significance of Shuri Castle (Shurijo) and the heritage of the former Ryukyu Kingdom.

Hand-sculpted in Okinawan terracotta clay and finished in a richly weathered dark glaze with subtle bronze and metallic undertones, the sculpture presents the characteristic strength and protective presence associated with the Okinawan Shisa. The underside bears the artisan's 「勝」 mark, identifying the work with Katsunosuke Futamata and Katsu-gama.

The Okinawan Shisa - Guardian of the Ryukyuan Home

Few cultural forms are as immediately associated with Okinawa as the Shisa. These lion-dog guardians appear throughout the Ryukyu Islands on rooftops, at gates and entrances, and within homes and businesses. Traditionally regarded as protective figures, Shisa are associated with guarding against harmful influences while welcoming protection, peace, and good fortune.

Their expressive faces, open mouths, muscular forms, and individually modeled characteristics give each sculpture a distinctive personality. This commemorative work embraces that tradition through a powerful, sculptural interpretation designed for collectors of Okinawan art and cultural objects.

About Katsunosuke Futamata & Katsu-gama

Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣 勝之助)

Katsu-gama (勝窯) - Onna Village, Okinawa

Katsunosuke Futamata is presented with this work as a master potter associated with the preservation of Okinawan ceramic traditions, particularly the sculptural and earthenware traditions represented by the Shisa. His work reflects the enduring relationship between Okinawan clay, hand-forming techniques, and the visual language of Ryukyuan ceramic culture.

A Living Ryukyuan Ceramic Tradition

The history of Okinawan pottery is closely connected to the Ryukyu Kingdom, when ceramic production served both practical and ceremonial purposes. Potters produced vessels, roof tiles, architectural ceramics, and other objects for domestic, religious, and official settings. Shisa likewise became an enduring architectural and cultural symbol of protection throughout Okinawa. This piece draws upon that broader heritage while existing as a contemporary handcrafted work by Katsu-gama.

Commemorating Shuri Castle & Okinawan Cultural Heritage

The Shuri Castle (Shurijo) complex remains one of the most important cultural symbols of Okinawa and the former Ryukyu Kingdom. The devastating 2019 fire brought renewed international attention to the importance of preserving Okinawa's architectural, artistic, and cultural heritage. This limited commemorative Shisa was created in that broader spirit of remembrance and cultural preservation - connecting the enduring Shisa tradition with one of Okinawa's most recognizable historic landmarks.

Rather than functioning simply as decorative pottery, the sculpture represents several interconnected aspects of Okinawan heritage:

1. Ryukyuan cultural identity
2. Okinawan ceramic craftsmanship
3. The protective tradition of Shisa
4. The legacy of Shuri and the Ryukyu Kingdom
5. Contemporary preservation of traditional craft
6. The continuing importance of handcrafted Okinawan art

Distinctive Artistic Character

Hand-Sculpted Shisa Form: The sculpture is individually modeled rather than mass-produced, giving the guardian a strong three-dimensional presence and expressive character.

Weathered Dark Metallic Finish: A deep weathered finish combines dark iron, bronze, and muted earth tones. Subtle tonal variation emphasizes the sculpted surface and gives the Shisa an aged, protective appearance.

Okinawan Terracotta Clay: The sculpture is formed from terracotta clay and fired as a substantial ceramic work, creating the weight and solidity expected of a traditional guardian sculpture.

Artisan's 「勝」 Mark: The underside bears the 「勝」 mark associated with Katsunosuke Futamata / Katsu-gama. The mark is an important identifying feature of the piece.

A Guardian with Contemporary Presence

With its substantial dimensions and approximately 2.5 kg weight, this Shisa is designed to function as a statement sculpture rather than a small decorative figurine.

Its dark, restrained palette allows the sculptural form itself to remain the focal point, making it suitable for:

1. Okinawan and Japanese cultural collections
2. Contemporary interiors
3. Entryways and reception areas
4. Private art collections
5. Japanese craft displays
6. Cultural or heritage-focused spaces
7. Collectors of Shisa and Okinawan ceramics

Whether displayed individually or alongside other Okinawan works, the piece offers a tangible connection to the island's continuing ceramic tradition.

Curator's Note

The significance of a Shisa extends beyond its recognizable lion-dog appearance. For generations, these guardians have occupied a distinctive place within Okinawan architecture and everyday life. Their presence reflects an enduring cultural idea: that art can simultaneously protect, represent identity, and connect a physical space with cultural memory. This limited Xandre Store edition brings that tradition into a collectible sculptural format, pairing the recognizable Shisa guardian with the craftsmanship of Katsunosuke Futamata and Katsu-gama.

For collectors, its appeal lies not only in its form, but in the intersection of Okinawan craftsmanship, Ryukyuan heritage, Shisa symbolism, and contemporary cultural preservation.

Product Specifications

Dimensions and weight are approximate and may vary slightly due to the individually handcrafted nature of the sculpture.

Handcrafted Character & Individual Variation

As a hand-sculpted ceramic work, this Shisa may exhibit subtle variations in:

1. Surface texture
2. Glaze distribution
3. Color and tonal depth
4. Sculptural contours
5. Firing characteristics
6. Minor natural marks from the ceramic process

These characteristics are part of the visual character of individually produced Okinawan pottery and should not be interpreted as manufacturing defects.

What’s Included

1 × Katsunosuke Futamata / Katsu-gama Okinawan Shisa Guardian - Special Limited Commemorative Edition

Each sculpture is presented as an individual collectible work representing Okinawan ceramic and Shisa heritage.

Care & Display

1. Handle with both hands when moving the sculpture.
2. Place on a stable, level surface capable of supporting approximately 2.5 kg.
3. Keep away from unstable shelves or locations where the sculpture may be knocked over.
4. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or soft brush.
5. Avoid abrasive cleaners, chemicals, and prolonged moisture exposure.
6. Because of its substantial ceramic construction, use care when placing or repositioning the piece.

Xandre Store - Preserving Okinawan Craftsmanship Through Contemporary Curation

From traditional Yachimun ceramics to sculptural Shisa guardians, Xandre Store brings together distinctive works that reflect Okinawa's living artistic heritage. This Katsunosuke Futamata / Katsu-gama Shisa Guardian represents a particularly meaningful intersection of Okinawan sculpture, Ryukyuan cultural symbolism, and contemporary commemorative craftsmanship.

A guardian of tradition. A symbol of Okinawa. A collectible work of Ryukyuan-inspired ceramic art.