A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH MOKUGYO
Ivory netsukeJapan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicted on a rectangular base, in stained ivory of a very good colour, is a powerful shishi, the curls of his mane and bushy tail vividly expressed. He is holding a mokugyo with his left paw and the chains which are attached to the temple bell are in his mouth. His spine and muscular pads are powerful, just like his expression, which is reminiscent of shishi by Rensai. Himotoshi on the underside of the base.HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9. Purchased at Sotheby’s, London, September 1979, lot 283.