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Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan) Okimono
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1078599
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 35 items
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Id #SA1078599
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Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan) Okimono

1900 - 1920
Sold 30 September 2024 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan) Okimono” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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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 (Yamaguchi) ‘Shôun’. Measures 26.5cm wide x 17cm deep x 22.5cm high, weight 3.25kg.

Excellent original condition and lovely 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.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Temple Lion Okimono to the 1900s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22.5cm (8.86")
Width
26.5cm (10.43")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1078599
Dealers Internal Reference
AD631/24
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 (Yamaguchi) ‘Shôun’. Measures 26.5cm wide x 17cm deep x 22.5cm high, weight 3.25kg.

fig 1. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back.
fig 1. Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan) Okimono

Excellent original condition and lovely 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.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Temple Lion Okimono to the 1900s.

Height
22.5cm (8.86")
Width
26.5cm (10.43")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1078599
Dealers Internal Ref
AD631/24
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 9
Archive I A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

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

Archive II A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. View II
Archive III A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. View III
Archive IV A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. View IV
Archive V A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. View V
Archive VI A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. View VI
Archive VII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. View VII
Archive VIII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. View VIII
Archive IX A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 783
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back.
Striking Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-Botan) Okimono
Ref: SA1078599
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a Japanese temple lion, or shishi, featuring detailed swirling fur and a peony flower across its back.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
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Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Statues
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleMeiji Japanese
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsShishi lion, Peony flower, Swirling mane, Clawed paws
  • SizeH 22.5 cm (9 in) x W 26.5 cm (10 in) x D 17 cm (7 in)

FAQs

An okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative statue or figurine designed for display in an alcove or on a household shelf, highly popular during the Meiji period.

Meiji period bronzes were typically cast using the traditional lost-wax method, often finished with intricate hand-chasing, patination, and sometimes inlaid details.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit heavy weight, high-grade patination with natural wear, crisp chisel work on fine details, and occasional artist signatures or foundry marks on the underside.

Position the piece as a focal point on a credenza, mantelpiece, or bookshelf, allowing its metallic texture and historical presence to contrast cleanly against minimalist modern surroundings.

Dust gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth and avoid using chemical polishes, water, or oils, which can damage the historical patina and protective oxide layer.
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