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Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan)
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1186315
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 #SA1186315
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Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan)

1900 - 1920
Sold 23 December 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Striking Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-botan)” 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 (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.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Bronze Temple Lion to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22.5cm (8.86")
Width
26.5cm (10.43")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
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. A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background.
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.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Bronze Temple Lion to the 1910s.

Height
22.5cm (8.86")
Width
26.5cm (10.43")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1186315
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1294
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 bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 11
Archive I A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

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

Archive II A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View II
Archive III A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View III
Archive IV A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View IV
Archive V A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View V
Archive VI A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View VI
Archive VII A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View VII
Archive VIII A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View VIII
Archive IX A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View IX
Archive X A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View X
Archive XI A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background. View XI
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 bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background.
Striking Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) Bronze Temple Lion & Peony (Shishi-Botan)
Ref: SA1186315
A dark bronze Japanese temple lion sculpture is shown in profile, featuring intricate fur curls, a peony flower on its back, and a scroll in its mouth against a plain black background.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
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Detail View 5
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Detail View 10
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Statues
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Bronze
  • MotifsShishi guardian lion, Peony flower motif, Curled mane and tail, Scroll in mouth
  • SizeH 22.5 cm (9 in) x W 26.5 cm (10 in) x D 16 cm (6 in)

FAQs

The Meiji period marked a golden age for Japanese metalworking, as traditional armor and sword smiths redirected their advanced casting and chiselling skills towards decorative arts and international export markets.

These pieces were typically crafted using copper alloy bronzes, often shaped via traditional lost-wax or sectional investment casting methods, followed by hand-finishing and chemical patina applications.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit heavy weight, precise hand-chased surface details, natural patination resulting from age, and occasionally artisan foundry signatures or marks on the underside.

Such sculptural objects serve as focal points on sideboards, mantels, or display consoles, contrasting sharply against minimalist backdrops to highlight their intricate textures and historical narrative.

Bronze requires minimal maintenance; dusting gently with a soft, dry cloth is recommended, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive polishes, or excessive humidity that might compromise the patina.
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