 |
|
|
| Two Lion-Dogs |
|
|
| Japan, Saga Prefecture; Edo period (1615-1867), late 17th century |
|
| Porcelain painted with overglaze enamels (Arita ware, Kakiemon style) |
|
| Each, H. 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm); L. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm) |
|
| Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art |
|
| 1979.238.1-2 |
|
|
| This pair of large ferocious-looking, Chinese lion-dogs, one with its mouth closed and the other open, is elaborately decorated with multi-colored dots covering almost the entirety of their bodies. Lion-dog figures, imported from Chinese sources, were generally used as guardians at entrances to Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. The earliest extant example of this theme was made of wood. Colorfully decorated porcelain statues, some even embellished with bright gilt mounts, were often exported to Europe, and illustrate more the extravagant (secular) tastes of late 17th-early 18th century Europeans than that of contemporary Japanese. |
|
|
|
|
