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Pair of Japanese Polychrome Temple Ornaments 木鼻 'Kibana' Shaped like Shishi 獅子
About the Item
A striking pair of finely carved wooden temple ornaments (kibana) in the shape of threatening shishi (temple lions) painted in the colours green, red, black and white. These are rarely seen completely painted polychrome.
They were ornaments placed at the top of pillars or at the corners of beams in a temple so they could serve as guardians of the temple. The last photo is an example of how similar kibana originate.
One lion has its mouth open while the other’s is shut. As a part of Buddhist symbolism the open mouth is meant to be forming the sound “a”, while the closed mouth is forming the sound “un”. Combined, they form the word a-un. “a” and “un” are symbolic of all beginnings and endings.
The "un"-lion with an inscription on the back.
Approx. dimensions:
Shishi 1:
Height 13.58 in/34.5 cm, Width 10.23 in/26 cm, Depth 19.29 in/49 cm.
Shishi 2:
Height 14.17 in/36 cm, Width 9.84 in/25 cm, Depth 18.30 in/46.5 cm.
When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.
Price including insured shipping.
- Dimensions:Height: 13.59 in (34.5 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 19.3 in (49 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Meiji period (1868-1912)
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Both in a good original condition with expected traces of age and use. As they originally hung outside where they were subject to the weather. Please look at the photos for a condition reference.
- Seller Location:Amsterdam, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: B43411stDibs: LU7165233282652
About the Seller
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