Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan)

Name: Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1186315
Availability: SoldOut

1900 - 1920

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Superb Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) bronze okimono of an exceptional detailed temple lion (shishi) holding a large blooming peony (botan) in its mouth. Standing in a playful pose, its front body rests on the ground while standing with its hind legs, holding its tail erect. The hairs of its mane and tail are the hairs are delicately designed in wavy lines. Signed on its belly (Shôun?). Measures 26.5cm wide x 16cm deep x 22.5cm high, weight 3.20kg.

Excellent original condition and patina.

Shishi-botan, literally lion and peony, has been a very popular motif in Japan. Shishi was believed as the king of all animals, while peony are considered the ‘king’ of flowers. They have often been depicted together since ancient times. It was said that only one thing that could kill the strongest animal (shishi) was an insect in his body and it was believed that the night dew of peony was the only thing that can kill this insect.

Physical Dimensions

Height

22.5cm (8.86")

Width

26.5cm (10.43")

Depth

16cm (6.30")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1186315

Dealers Internal Reference

AD1294

Description

Superb Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) bronze okimono of an exceptional detailed temple lion (shishi) holding a large blooming peony (botan) in its mouth.

“

Standing in a playful pose, its front body rests on the ground while standing with its hind legs, holding its tail erect.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

The hairs of its mane and tail are the hairs are delicately designed in wavy lines. Signed on its belly (Shôun?). Measures 26.5cm wide x 16cm deep x 22.5cm high, weight 3.20kg.

fig 1. Striking Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-Botan) — fig 1. Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan)

Excellent original condition and patina.

Shishi-botan, literally lion and peony, has been a very popular motif in Japan. Shishi was believed as the king of all animals, while peony are considered the ‘king’ of flowers. They have often been depicted together since ancient times. It was said that only one thing that could kill the strongest animal (shishi) was an insect in his body and it was believed that the night dew of peony was the only thing that can kill this insect.