{"product_id":"rare-japanese-antique-shishi-mai-wooden-lion-mask-w-original-box","title":"Rare Japanese Antique Shishi Mai Wooden Lion Mask w\/Original Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eExtremely Rare Japanese 1950s Shishi Mai Wooden Lion Mask – Original Cloth \u0026amp; Box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remarkable and exceptionally rare Japanese Shishi Mai (獅子舞) traditional lion mask\/head, dating to approximately the 1950s, Shōwa period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShishi 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderful piece for collectors of Japanese folk art, traditional festival objects, Shōwa-period antiques, Shishi Mai, Japanese masks, and unusual cultural artifacts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat you see is exactly what you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage antique condition appropriate for its age with minor stains \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe red mane has an intentionally aged and naturally worn appearance, consistent with an older traditional object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden storage box and original cloth also show signs of age and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Information\u003cbr\u003eItem: Shishi Mai traditional lion mask\/head\u003cbr\u003eJapanese: 獅子舞\u003cbr\u003eRelated term: Shishigashira (獅子頭)\u003cbr\u003ePeriod: Approximately 1950s\u003cbr\u003eEra: Shōwa period (1926–1989)\u003cbr\u003eCountry of origin: Japan\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Wood, painted\/gilded decoration, textile and hair\u003cbr\u003eSource: Japan Antique Auction\u003cbr\u003eIncluded: Original cloth covering and original wooden storage box\u003cbr\u003eType: Traditional Japanese folk\/festival object\u003cbr\u003eStyle: Shishi Mai \/ Japanese lion dance\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Unknown\u003cbr\u003eSpecific region: Unknown\u003cbr\u003eExact original festival\/community: Unknown\u003cbr\u003eAbout Shishi Mai\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShishi 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistoric Shishi masks can differ dramatically according to local traditions. Some Japanese communities continue to preserve distinctive regional styles of Shishi masks and dances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📢 Important Shipping Policy Update\u003cbr\u003eTo ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.\u003cbr\u003eOrders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Condition\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Timeless Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59961952764190,"sku":"C462","price":313.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/3998\/6462\/files\/Rare1950sJapaneseAntiqueShishiMaiWoodenLionMask7.jpg?v=1789515853","url":"https:\/\/www.realtimelessvintage.com\/products\/rare-japanese-antique-shishi-mai-wooden-lion-mask-w-original-box","provider":"Real Timeless Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}