A pair of bronze Shishi (獅子, shishi)

Description:

Japan, Meiji Period, late 19th c.
H. 32/33 cm (o.S.)
Cast in seated position, their heads facing forwards, surrounded by a magnificent mane and with curled tails. One karashishi with its mouth open exposing its fangs, the other with its mouth closed. Each 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 terms Karashishi (literally: Chinese lion) and Komainu (Korean dog) are nowadays used synonymously. Traditionally, a pair of Shishi figures is placed at the entrance of a Buddhist temple or a Shinto shrine as guardians, similar to the Niô protectors. Already in the Heian period (794-1185), a distinction was made between the two figures: the left figure was considered a Karashishi with an open mouth (agyō), while the right one was referred to as a Komainu with a closed mouth. The Komainu also appears very lion-like, and the differences between the two figures are minimal, probably because they originated from lion statues placed in front of Buddhist temples in India. This tradition eventually made its way to Japan.
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.