Netsuke of a shishi (mythical Chinese lion) and cub, ivory, Japan, 17th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
17th century
This carved and stained ivory netsuke is in the form of a shishi (mythical Chinese lion) and cub, with a pair of cord holes on the underside. The adult, which has a loose ball in its mouth, holds a ball in its paws and turns it head back towards its cub, which is biting its back.
Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated being the katabori (shape carving), a three-dimensional carving, such as this one in the form of a shishi (mythical Chinese lion) and her young. The appearance of Chinese illustrated books in Japan also coincided with the development of a thriving ivory-carving industry centred on the coastal regions of southern China, particularly Zhangzhou in Fujian province.
Ivory was subsequently one of the most important and widely used materials for the manufacture of netsuke, as in this example.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Length 4.76 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Carved ivory
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O88832
- Museum object number
- 808-1907
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked single-object source. Wider type attribution and authenticity have not been independently verified.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type and source attribution against specialist references.