AN IVORY NETSUKE BY SHOUNSAI OF SHISHI PLAYING IN PEONY GROVEIvory netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryThese guardian lions are called shishi. They are playful, feisty like young, little dogs – lion dogs. They are found in many different varieties in East Asian art, from mythological monuments to realistic beasts, but most often with fantastical elements. Lion dogs such as these from 18th to or 19th century Japan are quite similar to the Chinese Ming dynasty bronze shizu (or shishi), of which we have offered several over the years. Shishi are a popular subject in netsuke art. This piece is excellently crafted, quite scenic, but a rather massive okimono even though there are himotoshi on the smooth underside. Both shishi are on a rock with peonies on top of a waterfall. Great attention to detail, inlaid eyes. One of the shishi with red-colored mouth. Signature on the base SHO-UN-SAI. Only one of the several artists called Shounsai used this Sho and he is likely to have been the father of Shomin. Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: From an Austrian private collection Published:: Illustrated in color in “Netsuke von Meistern” by Wolfmar Zacken (1989) – no. 45WIDTH 5.9 CMThis lot is subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [CITES]. It may only be exported outside the European Union after an export permit in accordance with CITES has been granted by the Austrian authorities. Zacke Gallery cannot and does not guarantee that such export permit may or will be obtained, but will by order of the winning bidder, once and exclusively after the item in question has been paid in full, apply to obtain such a permit at a fixed administrative fee of €100,- per application (fee valid for 'Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono' auction only). This process usually takes 6 months, and most permits we have applied for, have been granted in the past. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding this process