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ID #SA1190559
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Superb Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion (Shishi) & Ball, Minamoto
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1190559
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 #SA1190559
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Superb Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion (Shishi) & Ball, Minamoto

1900 - 1920
Sold 21 January 2026 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Superb Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion (Shishi) & Ball, Minamoto” 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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Antique Bronze LionJapanese Foo DogVintage Bronze Lion Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Splendid Japanese antique (early 20thC) bronze temple lion (shishi) and ball by Minamoto Tamashishi. Signed on the belly. Ca. 21cm high x 28cm wide x 12cm deep, weight 3.9kg.

Excellent condition

Date of Manufacture

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

Physical Dimensions
Height
21cm (8.27")
Width
28cm (11.02")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1190559
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1328
Description
Splendid Japanese antique (early 20thC) bronze temple lion (shishi) and ball by Minamoto Tamashishi. Signed on the belly. Ca. 21cm high x 28cm wide x 12cm deep, weight 3.9kg.

Excellent condition

Date of Manufacture

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

Height
21cm (8.27")
Width
28cm (11.02")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1190559
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1328
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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An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 8
Archive I An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Superb Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze Temple Lion (Shishi) & Ball, Minamoto

Archive II An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. View II
Archive III An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. View III
Archive IV An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. View IV
Archive V An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. View V
Archive VI An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. View VI
Archive VII An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. View VII
Archive VIII An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball. View VIII
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
An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball.
Superb Japanese Antique (early 20thC) Bronze Temple Lion (Shishi) & Ball, Minamoto
Ref: SA1190559
An antique dark bronze Japanese shishi temple lion stands with one paw resting upon an openwork pierced ball.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Figurines
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleJapanese Traditional
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Bronze
  • MotifsPierced openwork ball, Stylised curly mane, Guardant posture, Detailed claws
  • SizeH 21 cm (8 in) x W 28 cm (11 in) x D 12 cm (5 in)

FAQs

Shishi, often referred to as guardian lions or foo dogs, originate from Chinese Buddhist tradition and were placed at the entrances of temples and shrines in Japan to ward off evil spirits and protect sacred spaces.

These pieces were typically cast using the traditional lost-wax method, often utilising a copper alloy rich in bronze, followed by hand-chasing and chemical patination to achieve deep, rich surface colours.

Authentic pieces usually exhibit natural wear, consistent patination, fine hand-carved detail in the mane and features, and occasionally artist signatures or foundry marks on the underside.

A bronze guardian lion works well as a focal point on a credenza, mantelpiece, or bookshelf, providing a contrasting textural element that complements both minimalist and eclectic spaces.

Bronze should be dusted gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using commercial metal polishes or harsh chemical cleaners, as these can strip the historical patina and diminish the value of the piece.
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