Naga388 Kutani white lion porcelain figure

Kutani porcelain figure of a white lion (shishi), often portrayed by the Kutani craftsmen. Shishi獅子are mythological beasts, the kings of the universe. Other appellations for the same beast are Shisaa in Okinawa who act as roof guardians against typhoons and other natural disasters. Komainu or Korean Dogs as they are called, are often placed at the entrance to Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. They almost always occur in pairs, one with a mouth open, one with mouth closed. The Kutani figures of shishi always show the animal playing with the tama, or sacred jewel, a Buddhist symbol of the universe. For other symbol structure and information about these lions, see Mark Schumacher’s excellent web page at: http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/shishi.shtml
Width 21 cm., height 21 cm. This is my favorite shishi in my collection because it is white and thus rarer, and because it assumes such a totally wonderful pose. Modern

naga388 Kutani porcelain figure   $138.00 (shipping & packing available) We accept VISA and MASTERCARD See more at Richard Arts