By Masamitsu, signed Masamitsu Japan, 19th century
Finely carved, depicting a shishi with one front paw resting on a small shishi cub and protecting a pierced brocade ball, the face showing a fierce expression with the mouth wide open showing fang-like teeth and holding a loose ball within, the flaming mane and tail finely incised. Natural himotoshi and signed MASAMITSU to the underside.
HEIGHT 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 Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 22 (sold for 2,250 GBP).