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Japanse Bronze Shishi Foo Lion by Shuzan / Hideyama, Meiji period, Japan

About the Item

A heavy and powerfully cast Japanese bronze model of a shishi or foo lion by Hideyama / Shuzan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The dramatic lion, known as a shishi in Japan, is cast as both a powerful and playful being. He is portrayed seated upon his haunches, his head up and alert, one paw raised and resting upon an openwork brocade ball. He is almost comically ferocious, with an oversized head, floppy ears, bushy eyebrows, bulging eyes, a flattened snout, and wide mouth with flattened teeth set in a large grin. His small tongue sticking out slightly. His mane is bushy and curly, continuing down his back in long tresses that end in curled whorls. The tip of his thick tail treated in the same manner. The shishi has its mouth open in a playful roar. He holds a braided cord in his mouth attached to the openwork brocade ball underfoot. The ball with a central large peony blossom and scrolled foliage. Signed to the underside with a two character signature reading either Hideyama or Shuzan. The bronze with a wonderful rich and deep patina. Although most likely intended as an okimono, table sculpture, this shishi was apparently used as an incense burner and candle holder. The interior of the mouth and the brocade ball both showing signs of smoke, ash, and carbonization. The area around the mouth and recesses of the hair also with heavy ash and carbon residue.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.75 in (22.23 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Depth: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1900-1909
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Very good condition. Some heavy residue to the interior and recesses. The tips of the ribbon under the brocade ball and the underside of the tip of the tail possibly with minor chips.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894735223162
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