A pair of antique Kutani guardian lions with wisdom pearls indicates its affiliation with Monju Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Art and Literature. In these two glazed Shishi lions with heads turned in rhythmic movements, these spirited pair turned to its side in a joyous expression. They appear couching on two hind feet, each playfully grabbing an elaborately painted ball in their front claws. The mythical beast has bulging eyes, square open jaws baring tongue and fangs, with finely striated twirling mane rendered into rows of snail-curls, transforming into protruding spikes in a striking and unusual display of ferocity.. This pair of classic Shishi exemplifies a unique Japanese design in sophistication. It has a distinctive ambiance of the 19th century Edo period Kutani ware. The antique lions appear in excellent condition. Japanese ceramic history shows that Kutani porcelain was found in the Daishoji Clan's mine in 1655. The production was known as Ko-Kutani, and it lasted about 60 years. It was again revived by Kutani Shoza (1816-1883) with gaudy enamels and gold brocade.