{"product_id":"vintage-japanese-imari-ware-shishi-temple-lion-gilt-porcelain","title":"Vintage Japanese Imari Ware Shishi Temple Lion – Gilt Porcelain","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA magnificent vintage Japanese \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImari ware Shishi temple lion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, gloriously theatrical and richly decorated in the classic Imari palette of iron red, deep cobalt blue and gleaming gilt against a creamy white porcelain ground.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a piece with tremendous character. The Shishi’s wonderfully expressive face is framed by a dramatic curling mane, with its eyes, brows, muzzle and elaborate scrollwork picked out in gold. One powerful paw rests commandingly upon an ornamental ball, while the body twists into a lively pose beneath an enormous upswept tail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe decoration is exceptional from every angle. Rich red floral motifs, cobalt leaves and delicate gilded details travel across the body and tail, while the reverse is fully decorated rather than left plain. Even the tips of the mane, claws and tail have been individually highlighted in gilt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditionally regarded as guardian creatures, Shishi are associated with protection and strength and have appeared throughout Japanese decorative art for centuries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcquired from a private collection of Japanese Imari ware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this striking figure formed part of a larger collection that included coordinating decorative pieces and vases.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage Japanese Imari ware Shishi \/ temple lion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePorcelain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional iron-red, cobalt-blue and gilt decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtensive hand-applied decorative detailing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrnamental ball beneath front paw\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDramatic raised tail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFully decorated front and reverse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnmarked\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne available\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Excellent vintage condition with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eno chips or cracks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. No maker’s mark present. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Crow \u0026 Cauldron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55324504981833,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/4176\/3145\/files\/22F18F98-1536-4E04-B935-2067071EAAE9.jpg?v=1789207913","url":"https:\/\/crowandcauldron.co.uk\/products\/vintage-japanese-imari-ware-shishi-temple-lion-gilt-porcelain","provider":"The Crow \u0026 Cauldron","version":"1.0","type":"link"}