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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: Mat on February 18, 2016, 04:14:16 AM

Title: Bronze Shishi and Cub
Post by: Mat on February 18, 2016, 04:14:16 AM

I have this bronze shishi with his cub, it's length is 11 cm. I think it could be a Chinese scroll weight. I have seen similar ones being dated to the 17th century, but I am not sure about my one, as I am not so familiar with Chinese bronzes. Has anyone any ideas as to it's age? And what is the meaning of the cord in his mouth? I have not seen another one with that detail...
Thank you,
Mat

Title: Re: Bronze Shishi and Cub
Post by: Jlsherf on February 18, 2016, 06:41:42 AM

Though way out of my area I found this interesting.  I only came up with what the rope could mean.  Perhaps someone combined these to symbolize a guardian of a new beginning.  Shimenawa rope....
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimenawa

Title: Re: Bronze Shishi and Cub
Post by: Ipcress on February 18, 2016, 08:30:53 AM

Could be exactly as you describe it. Certainly appears to be Edo period

The hole could imply that it was a finial or part of a larger item but i like how it lies flat

Title: Re: Bronze Shishi and Cub
Post by: Mat on February 18, 2016, 08:43:43 AM

Thank you, both of you!
so you think it is Japanese? It is true that the closest examples of Shishi and cub that I could find, with the cub in the same position, were Edo period netsuke...

Title: Re: Bronze Shishi and Cub
Post by: mart on February 19, 2016, 07:57:47 AM

I have no idea what it is but it has a beautiful patina !!  That rich deep color is what all antique bronze should look like !!

Title: Re: Bronze Shishi and Cub
Post by: KC on February 19, 2016, 10:40:19 PM

Take a read and see the rope in the mouth here...
http://www.buddhamuseum.com/iron-foo-dog_89.html (http://www.buddhamuseum.com/iron-foo-dog_89.html)

Also, the Karajishi is a Chinese lion but is often written for Japanese.  Japanese was Komainu.
http://www.iromegane.com/japan/culture/shishi-and-komainu-whats-the-difference/ (http://www.iromegane.com/japan/culture/shishi-and-komainu-whats-the-difference/)

In Korea it is a Koma-inu. 

I have only seen one reference to the rope as being the lead/leash to the foo dog next to it.  I have also see reference involving Shintoism - that it is holding the hemp rope that rings the Suzu bell to summon the Shinto gods (kame) at a shrine. 

http://www.trocadero.com/Japonisme/items/804720/en7.html (http://www.trocadero.com/Japonisme/items/804720/en7.html)

Title: Re: Bronze Shishi and Cub
Post by: Mat on February 23, 2016, 01:51:15 AM

Thank you for the links KC, and mart, yes, the patina looks even better in reality!
Mat