This is a Kaga Shishigashira (加賀 獅子頭) — a traditional lion head from the Kaga region (modern-day Ishikawa Prefecture), deeply rooted in the area’s folk performing arts and spiritual customs.
Carved from wood and accented with expressive features — bulging blue eyes, golden teeth, and a vivid red mouth — this lion head embodies both protection and festivity. The humorous twist in this version is the small katana (sword) clutched in its jaws, giving the piece a playful and whimsical character, while still maintaining its symbolic weight. The coarse white mane and exaggerated features enhance its hand-crafted charm, blending intensity with folk creativity.
In the Hokuriku region, Shishimai (獅子舞) lion dances are performed during festivals and New Year celebrations to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The shishigashira is the central figure in these performances, traditionally manipulated by dancers who bring it to life through powerful movements and biting gestures — sometimes believed to bite away misfortune.
Kaga-style shishigashira are known for their bold expressions and exaggerated proportions, reflecting the local aesthetic and theatrical tradition. This piece is likely a decorative version of a stage prop, possibly made for display or small-scale celebration.
