Chida Studio | Makers of Hand-Carved Wooden Shishi Lion Heads

Guardians
Carved from Sacred Wood,
Into Prayers Given Form.

Preserving a Tradition of
Protective Talismans

Chida Studio is located in southern Ishikawa, in Hakusan City. Today, it is the only studio in Japan producing Kaga Shishi lion heads from wood where every single step, from carving to painting, is done by hand by artisans.

Shishi lion heads are said to feed on misfortune as protectors of the future, and this family-run studio has been carving these beloved guardians for seventy years and counting.

Philosophy

Shishi Lion Heads

Shishi lions are legendary beings that appear when people celebrate new starts. Their cultural significance extends back to the day of the samurai, when lords of the region incorporated them into celebrations. Even today, Shishi lion heads and costumed Shishimai lion dances are tied to life milestones here.

Their stately presence, combined with the stamina required for the dances, makes them a symbol of strength and determination.

This social significance demands careful, detailed craftsmanship, and Chida Studio works tirelessly to produce results that exceed expectations.

Local Heritage
Tied to the Land Itself

Hakusan City is named for Mt. Hakusan, a sacred mountain on the prefectural border. For many centuries, the mountain has been a center of religious faith, revered not only for its natural grandeur but as an abundant source of life-giving food and water.

Chida Studio primarily uses paulownia wood sourced from forests in the foothills of this mountain. These trees are themselves symbols of vitality, having grown strong and tall over many years in spite of the harsh winds and deep snows of the region. At Chida Studio, the carving of each Shishi lion head begins with a discerning eye applied to the lumber, to find a piece with just the right woodgrain and weight for the task at hand.

At the same time, Chida Studio’s work is not limited to carving new Shishi lion heads: they also handle repair and restoration of older ones, giving them the chance to dance once more. These loving efforts help to bring back what was feared lost, ensuring that the tradition of Kaga Shishi lion heads lives on, one job at a time.

Carved from
a Single Piece

Every one of Chida Studio’s Shishi lion heads is carved from a single piece of wood. No joints. No glue. No second chances. Every step is carefully done by hand, from lumber selection to the very last finishing touches. Each Shishi lion head is carved from just the right tree for it, expertly designed to avoid cracking or warping. These artisans draw upon their years of experience and careful study of their craft, making the most of the natural traits of each piece of wood as they set about freeing the Shishi lion hiding within.

Our Products

Shishi Lion Head Ornaments

Perfect as a gift to celebrate a birth, or as a good luck charm for family safety, exam season, or any of the other challenges we face in life.

Genuine Shishi Lion Heads

Hand-made for Shishimai lion dances, performed at festivals and other celebrations to bring good luck and ward off misfortune.

Seiun Chida Second Generation

“I trained under my father, Seiun Chida Sr., and have dedicated the last four and a half decades to Shishi lion heads.

I’ve inherited a long tradition of carving Shishi lion heads from paulownia wood grown in the foothills of the sacred Mt. Hakusan, and each piece I carve connects me to this local history. As a maker of Kaga Shishi lion heads, I’m always moved when I notice a new generation ordering our products. I believe it is our duty to help preserve the tradition of Shishi lion heads, not just in Ishikawa, but all across Japan."

Taiga Chida Third Generation

“Watching my father and grandfather carve Shishi lion heads was a part of my childhood. I still remember thinking, when I grew up, I wanted to be just like them.

I took my first real steps along this path at my technical high school, and pursued this passion at the Osaka University of the Arts. After graduating, I worked at a Buddhist sculpture studio, where I studied the craft under two master artisans.

I hope that one day, I’ll be able to bring together everything I’ve learned over the years to create Shishi lion heads that could have come only from me.”

Studio Tours

Reservations

The Chida Studio offers tours, giving visitors the chance to see the workshop where Shishi lion heads are brought to life.

Get an up-close view of the expert techniques and spirit of prayer that goes into carving these auspicious talismans from a single piece of wood.

Shishi lion heads can become a part of your everyday life.

Savor the natural beauty of the wood and the prayers for protection imbued into each one.

Visit the Online Shop

Online Shop

Contact Us

Please use this form to contact us with any questions you may have.

(076) 272-1696

Business Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (Closed Tuesdays)

kagasisi@taupe.plala.or.jp

Guardians Carved from Sacred Wood, Into Prayers Given Form.

Preserving a Tradition of Protective Talismans