Rare Japanese Antique Shishi Mai Wooden Lion Mask w/Original Box

Extremely Rare Japanese 1950s Shishi Mai Wooden Lion Mask – Original Cloth & Box

A remarkable and exceptionally rare Japanese Shishi Mai (獅子舞) traditional lion mask/head, dating to approximately the 1950s, Shōwa period.

This impressive piece was sourced from a Japan Antique Auction and comes with its original cloth covering and original wooden storage box, adding considerable interest and authenticity to this unusual survivor.

The mask features a powerful, expressive Shishi face with a large rounded nose, prominent eyes, carved teeth, gold-colored decorative details, and a vivid red mane. The combination of the aged wooden structure, painted and gilded-looking surface, red textile, and long original hair creates an especially striking appearance.

Shishi Mai is one of Japan's traditional folk performing arts and is commonly associated with New Year celebrations and local matsuri festivals. The Shishi represents a powerful guardian figure, and Shishi Mai has traditionally been performed to drive away misfortune and evil and to wish for health and good fortune.

The form and construction of Shishi masks vary considerably between regions and local traditions throughout Japan. Some traditions use one dancer while others use two or more performers, and the design of the Shishi head can be highly distinctive to a particular community.

This example is particularly appealing because it retains its original cloth and wooden storage box, something rarely found together with vintage Japanese festival pieces of this type.

A wonderful piece for collectors of Japanese folk art, traditional festival objects, Shōwa-period antiques, Shishi Mai, Japanese masks, and unusual cultural artifacts.

What you see is exactly what you will receive.

Condition

Vintage antique condition appropriate for its age with minor stains 

The mask shows natural signs of age and previous use, including surface wear, scratches, marks, areas of discoloration, aged paint/gilded decoration, and natural deterioration to the hair and textile.

The red mane has an intentionally aged and naturally worn appearance, consistent with an older traditional object.

The wooden storage box and original cloth also show signs of age and handling.

Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.

There may be imperfections that are difficult to fully capture in photographs. These are part of the character and history of an approximately 70-year-old Japanese cultural object.

Additional Information
Item: Shishi Mai traditional lion mask/head
Japanese: 獅子舞
Related term: Shishigashira (獅子頭)
Period: Approximately 1950s
Era: Shōwa period (1926–1989)
Country of origin: Japan
Material: Wood, painted/gilded decoration, textile and hair
Source: Japan Antique Auction
Included: Original cloth covering and original wooden storage box
Type: Traditional Japanese folk/festival object
Style: Shishi Mai / Japanese lion dance
Maker: Unknown
Specific region: Unknown
Exact original festival/community: Unknown
About Shishi Mai

Shishi Mai literally refers to Japanese lion dancing. The Shishi is a mythical lion-like guardian figure, and the tradition has been performed throughout Japan during festivals, New Year celebrations and other important occasions. It has traditionally been associated with warding off misfortune and bringing protection, health and good fortune.

The tradition has very old roots in Japan. Japanese cultural sources describe Shishi Mai as having developed from masked performing traditions introduced from continental Asia and subsequently becoming deeply incorporated into Japanese festival culture.

Historic Shishi masks can differ dramatically according to local traditions. Some Japanese communities continue to preserve distinctive regional styles of Shishi masks and dances.

📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.

📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.