This is a charming Kaga Shishigashira 加賀 獅子頭 a traditional folk craft lion head from the Kaga region in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Carved from wood in a faceted, geometric style and accented with horsehair for its mane, this miniature lion head is a handcrafted 郷土玩具 (kyōdo gangu), or local toy, deeply rooted in regional festival culture.
The Shishigashira, or lion head, is a key feature in Shishimai (獅子舞) — the Japanese lion dance — performed during festivals and New Year's celebrations to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
The lion head represents a guardian spirit believed to ward off evil and bring blessings, especially at the start of a new year. This belief stems from the tradition of the 獅子舞 (Shishimai), or lion dance, where performers wear full lion masks or heads like this one. In homes, a smaller version like this is often displayed as a protective charm.
This particular figure, with its mischievous grin, red accents, and movable lower jaw, captures the spirit of Kaga’s vibrant traditional arts. Whether displayed as a collector's item or used as a seasonal decoration, it embodies the energy, charm, and protective symbolism of the lion dance.
Size: 6 x 11 x 6cm
