Netsuke - Shishi Climbing A Rock - Ivory - Japan - XVIIIth Century

Humorous ivory netsuke representing a shishi trying to climb a rock.

Originating in China, the shishi is a mythological animal that is very popular throughout the Asian cultural area, where it is used to protect homes from evil spirits.
This fanciful representation of a lion is the result of an artistic interpretation dictated solely by stories told by travellers, as this great beast has never been present in either China or Japan.
We therefore always find two of the animal's most characteristic attributes, namely its gaping mouth and its abundant mane, which is always depicted in curls. The rest of its anatomy is more reminiscent of an Asian dog.

Japan, 18th century.
Very good condition, beautiful himotoshi.
Note the fineness of the sculpture, especially at the level of the animal's mouth and tail.

Dimensions:
Height: 1.8 cm
Width: 5.5 cm
Depth: 2.5 cm
Weight: 19 g

The shipment is neat and will be made the day after receipt of payment.