19th century kokutan (ebony) netsuke of a sitting shishi (Buddhist lion), its tail up and its head turned to the left. Represented beast is definitely male both because of its explicitely carved bottom and because its mouth is open emitting sound A (the first letter of Sanskrit alphabet), while the female shishi are depicted with closed mouth emitting sound N (the last letter). Wonderful expressive face, oversized powerful paws, superbly voluminous mane and bushy tail, eyes are inlaid with metal. Wonderful netsuke carved with confidence and great detail, great sense of volume, superb luster to the wood. Signed MASANORI on the bottom - uncommon artist, listed on p. 728 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Sculpturally speaking, one of the best wooden shishi that I have had. Height 1 3/8 inches.Reserve: $750.00Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $15.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.Location: This item ships from MassachusettsYour purchase is protected:Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.