Japanese porcelain Kutani karashishi, a rare, finely carved and detailed, male lion dog in ornate, polychrome glazes with gilt highlights. The temari ball is pierced by a large, black and gold, sword handle, enhancing the lion dog's talismanic power. The finely carved, live edge, hongmu plinth is included. A two character Kutani mark is carved into the unglazed base of the temari ball under the foot. Circa mid century or earlier. karashishi: 9.75" high x 9.75" wide x 6.5" deep plinth: .75" high x 10"wide x 7.5" deep