Antique
Japanese Netsuke SHISHI
Egg Hatching Netsuke
Signature: Sadahiro, 19th Century H
1.75 in.(4.5cm.), W 1in.(2.5cm.), D 1in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Very Good ! Shishi,
the Chinese guardian lion is the protector of Buddhist faith. It is both a symbol
of Chinese imperial power, and the ineluctable force of Buddhist doctrine. Shishi
are traditionally shown in pairs. The female is represented with the cub under
her foot, and the male is recognized with a ball which symbolized the creative
power of the male principle. However, such prototype posted no barrier for fun
loving Japanese carvers; as this well aged shishi netsuke depicted here, the ball
of creative power has became a large egg, in which another shishi is peeping through.
Instead of the usual furocious expression, both of these shishi(s) appear to be
confused, their facial expressions are somewhere between mischeivious and surprise.
Private Collection | |