By Masamitsu, signed Masamitsu Japan, 19th century
Finely carved from kurogaki (black persimmon) wood, depicting a shishi with one front paw resting on a small shishi cub and protecting a pierced brocade ball with a loose ball within, the face showing a fierce expression with the mouth wide open showing fang-like teeth, the flaming mane and tail finely incised. Natural himotoshi and signed MASAMITSU to the underside.
HEIGHT 3.3 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: US private collection.
Auction comparison: For a similar shishi by Masamitsu see Bonhams, The Bluette H. Kirchhoff Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 16 September 2009, New York, lot 2024 (sold for 1,464 USD).