A guardian lion with a ball or pearl indicates its affiliation with the Wisdom Buddha Monju. Here in this crimson red glazed ferocious fu dog lion. He appears standing on two hind feet, playfully grabbing a large ball in its front claws. The mythical beast has bulging eyes, square open jaws baring tongue and fangs, and finely striated twirling mane rendered into rows of snail-curls. In a rhythmic dancing movement, the spirited lion head turned to its side in a joyous expression. It's noteworthy that the large porcelain ball is vividly glazed in cobalt blue and green motifs over a carved relief of florals in earth tone. Engraved into the base, "Kutani 九谷." This classic Komainu Shishi exemplifies a unique Japanese design in sophistication. It has a distinctive ambiance of the 19th century Edo period Kutani ware. The antique lion appears in very good condition besides a hairline crack around its left leg (see photo 7). Japanese ceramic history has it that Kutani porcelain was found in the Daishoji Clan's mine in 1655. The production was Known as Ko-Kutani that lasted about 60 years. It was again revived by Kutani Shoza (1816-1883) and several skilled artisans working with gaudy enamels and gold brocade.