Page 40 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

24 | A BRONZE GROUP OF KISHI MONJU
BOSATSU RIDING A SHISHI
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Solidly cast in three parts – the shishi, its tail, and
Monju – with the bodhisattva seated in lalitasana on a
round lotus base rising from the Buddhist lion’s back.
Monju is holding a scroll in one hand and wearing
a long flowing robe opening at the chest, revealing
hanging jewelry. A rope with a dharmachakra at
the center hangs around the lower portion of his
body. His face is full of wisdom with a third eye on
his forehead, almond-shaped eyes looking straight
forward, and a broad nose. The caparisoned shishi, its
flaming mane and tail in cloud-shaped curls much like
Monju’s hair, has a fierce expression with its eyes and
mouth wide open, as if roaring loudly.
HEIGHT total 38 cm
WEIGHT 6,476 g

Condition: The sword in Monju’s right hand as well as
the halo behind him are missing, otherwise in very
good condition with small nicks and scratches here
and there, minor traces of wear, some remains of gilt,
and minor casting irregularities.
Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750

25 | A BRONZE
OKIMONO OF
A DRAGON WITH
ROCK CRYSTAL
BALL
Japan, Meiji period
(1868-1912)

Finely cast as a sinuously
coiled dragon with gilt eyes
and flaming volutes of copper
with gilt details, holding a rock
crystal tama (magic pearl) of
nearly flawless quality in one
of its claws. Note the great
attention to detail, particularly
evident in the skillful execution
of the scales and claws.
HEIGHT 12.8 cm,
LENGTH 33.6 cm
WEIGHT 1,472 g
Condition: Very good
condition with minor traces
of wear and tiny areas of
verdigris here and there.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 800
Starting price EUR 400

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