Ivory netsuke depicting a shishi with its legs resting on three tama.

Originally from China, the shishi is a mythological animal that is very popular throughout the Asian cultural area, where it is used to protect homes from evil spirits.
A fanciful representation of a lion, it is the result of an artistic interpretation dictated solely by stories told by travellers, since this great beast was never present in either China or Japan.
We can still see two of the animal's most characteristic features: its gaping mouth and its abundant mane, which is always depicted in curls. The rest of its anatomy is more reminiscent of an Asian dog.

One of its paws is often placed on a tama, a sacred jewel in the form of an embroidered ball representing omnipotence.
The uniqueness of this netsuke undoubtedly lies in the presence of several of these jewels.

Japan, 18th century
Good condition, nice patina

Dimensions
Height: 2.6 cm
Width: 4 cm
Depth: 1,9 cm
Weight: 14 g

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