Description

Xandre Store Special Limited Release

Celebrate a significant chapter in Okinawan cultural heritage with this Special Limited Release Okinawan Shisa Guardian, commissioned by Xandre LLC as a commemorative collector's piece honoring the restoration and reopening of Shuri Castle (Shurijo) in Okinawa, Japan. Hand-sculpted by Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣 勝之助) of Katsu-gama (勝窯) in Onna Village, Okinawa, the sculpture is formed from traditional Okinawan clay and finished with a richly weathered dark glaze featuring subtle bronze-tone highlights.

Its powerful expression and sculptural presence reflect the enduring Shisa tradition of Okinawa - a cultural symbol associated with protection, guardianship, and good fortune. The underside is left unglazed and bears the artisan's 「勝」 mark directly in the ceramic base. Each commemorative sculpture is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Commemorative Collector's Card.

The Okinawan Shisa - Guardian of Ryukyuan Tradition

The Shisa is one of Okinawa's most recognizable cultural symbols.

Traditionally found on rooftops, gates, entrances, walls, and within homes and businesses, Shisa are regarded as protective guardian figures. Their distinctive lion-dog forms have become deeply associated with Okinawan architecture, folklore, and everyday cultural life. This sculpture interprets that tradition through a substantial hand-sculpted ceramic guardian, combining an expressive Shisa form with a darker, weathered finish that emphasizes its sculptural character.

Its imposing proportions and approximately 2.5 kg weight give the work a particularly substantial presence as a collector's sculpture.

About Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣 勝之助)

Master Potter & Katsu-gama (勝窯)

Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣 勝之助) is identified with Katsu-gama (勝窯), a ceramic studio located in Onna Village, Okinawa. The work reflects the continuing Okinawan ceramic tradition through hand-sculpted form, traditional clay-working practices, and the distinctive visual language associated with Shisa guardians. Futamata's association with traditional Okinawan ceramic techniques provides the artistic foundation for this commemorative Shisa, connecting a contemporary collector's work with the broader history of Ryukyuan pottery.

Ryukyuan Ceramic Heritage

During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, pottery played important practical, architectural, ceremonial, and cultural roles. Ceramic production included vessels, architectural materials, roof tiles, and other objects connected with Okinawan life and institutions. Shisa also developed into an enduring protective symbol throughout Okinawa. This commemorative work draws upon that wider heritage while remaining a contemporary handcrafted ceramic sculpture.

Commemorating Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle (Shurijo) occupies a central place in the cultural history of Okinawa and the former Ryukyu Kingdom. The devastating 2019 fire and subsequent restoration effort renewed attention to the importance of preserving Okinawa's historic architecture, cultural traditions, and artistic heritage. This special release was commissioned by Xandre LLC specifically as a commemorative work connected to the restoration and reopening of Shuri Castle. The Shisa's role as a guardian makes it particularly fitting for a commemorative work centered on cultural preservation: it represents protection, continuity, and the enduring presence of Okinawan cultural identity.

Symbolism of the Shisa

Within Okinawan tradition, Shisa are associated with protection and the safeguarding of homes, buildings, and communities. They are traditionally understood as guardians against harmful or malevolent influences, sometimes described in Okinawan folklore through the concept of majimun.

Their presence is also associated with blessings such as:

1. Protection
2. Peace
3. Good fortune
4. Prosperity
5. Safeguarding the home
6. Cultural continuity

This symbolism gives the sculpture meaning beyond its decorative function.

Distinctive Artistic Features

Hand-Sculpted Shisa: The guardian is individually sculpted, giving the piece a substantial three-dimensional character and expressive presence.

Weathered Dark Finish: A deep dark iron and bronze-toned finish is layered with muted earth colors, creating an aged and weathered appearance that complements the powerful Shisa form.

Traditional Okinawan Clay: The sculpture is produced using Okinawan clay and fired as a substantial ceramic work.

Unglazed Artisan Mark: The underside features an unglazed base bearing the 「勝」 mark associated with Katsunosuke Futamata / Katsu-gama.

The exposed ceramic surface provides a deliberate contrast to the darker finished exterior.

A Collector's Edition with Cultural Meaning

This is more than a decorative Shisa figurine. The substantial scale, hand-sculpted construction, artisan mark, commemorative purpose, and accompanying documentation position the work as a collectible Okinawan ceramic sculpture.

It can serve as:

1. A centerpiece for an Okinawan or Japanese art collection
2. A statement piece for an entrance or reception area
3. A cultural display within a private residence
4. A collector's Shisa sculpture
5. A commemorative gift representing Okinawa
6. A heritage-focused decorative work

Its dark bronze and earth-tone palette also allows the sculpture to integrate naturally into both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Curator's Note

The Shisa is an especially powerful symbol through which to understand Okinawan cultural continuity. Its form has endured through generations, appearing across Okinawan architecture and becoming part of the visual identity of the islands. In this commemorative edition, that guardian symbolism is paired with the story of Shuri Castle's restoration and the continuing preservation of Okinawan heritage. Commissioned by Xandre LLC, this limited release was created to mark that cultural moment while celebrating the craftsmanship of Katsunosuke Futamata and Katsu-gama.

For collectors, the piece brings together three distinctive elements:

Okinawan Shisa tradition.

Ryukyuan cultural heritage.

Contemporary commemorative craftsmanship.

Product Specifications

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

Authenticity & Collector Documentation

Each sculpture features the 「勝」 artisan mark on its unglazed underside base.

The commemorative release also includes:

1. Certificate of Authenticity
2. Commemorative Collector's Card

Together, these materials provide accompanying documentation for the collector and distinguish the work as part of this special Xandre LLC commemorative release.

Handcrafted Character

Because each Shisa is individually sculpted and finished, natural variation may occur in:

1. Facial expression
2. Sculptural contours
3. Surface texture
4. Glaze distribution
5. Bronze and earth-tone coloration
6. Firing characteristics
7. Minor surface irregularities

Such variation is an inherent characteristic of handcrafted ceramic sculpture and contributes to the individuality of each piece.

What’s Included

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

Includes:

1. 1 × Handcrafted Okinawan Shisa Guardian
2. 1 × Certificate of Authenticity
3. 1 × Commemorative Collector's Card

Care & Display

1. Handle the sculpture with both hands when moving it.
2. Display on a stable, level surface capable of supporting approximately 2.5 kg.
3. Avoid unstable shelves or areas where the sculpture could be knocked over.
4. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or soft brush.
5. Avoid abrasive cleaners and chemical products.
6. Keep away from prolonged moisture exposure.
7. Take particular care when repositioning the sculpture because of its substantial ceramic weight.

Xandre Store - Connecting Collectors with Okinawan Heritage

At Xandre Store, we curate distinctive Japanese and Okinawan works that connect contemporary collectors with the craftsmanship, symbolism, and cultural history of the islands. This Katsunosuke Futamata / Katsu-gama Shisa Guardian was commissioned as a special commemorative release honoring the restoration and reopening of Shuri Castle.

A powerful guardian figure.

A handcrafted Okinawan ceramic work.

A commemorative connection to Shuri and Ryukyuan heritage.

Preserving the spirit of Okinawa through craftsmanship, culture, and contemporary collecting.