A bronze model of a buddhist lion (獅子, shishi)

Description:

Japan, Meiji period, around 1900
H. 61 cm ( o.S.)
Expressive sculpture of a Buddhist lion standing on four sturdy feet, with its head turned sideways and its mouth open, exposing its teeth. On its back, it carries a lotus-shaped pedestal resting on an elaborately crafted saddle blanket. Mounted on base.
Acquired by Bayer AG from Bernheimer by Carl Duisberg prior to 1930 - Partial age damage and surface change due to many years of presentation in the park
The lion is a symbol of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni and is revered as a guardian of the sacred Buddhist law. This particular sculpture may have served as a physical support for a statue of the bodhisattva Monju. Given its size, the lion was likely one of a pair that formed part of a larger Buddhist altar arrangement.
This lot is subject to standard taxation: a premium of 24.5 % will be charged on the hammer price. Statutory VAT is payable on the hammer price plus premium.