Description
A pair of antique Japanese Hirado ware porcelain shishi, or guardian lion-dogs, beautifully modeled in animated, playful poses. Each figure is finely sculpted with expressive faces, curling tails, powerful paws, and elaborate flowing manes highlighted with delicate underglaze cobalt-blue spiral detailing. The luminous white porcelain provides a striking contrast to the blue decoration.
The wonderfully modeled forms and intricate detailing exemplify the refined sculptural tradition of the Hirado/Mikawachi kilns, renowned for producing finely crafted porcelain figures during the 19th century. Shishi were traditionally associated with protection, strength, and the warding off of evil, making them both auspicious decorative objects and symbols of guardianship.
Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Dimensions: 3 1/2″ high × 4 1/2″ long × 4″ wide