【National Treasure】
Ancient Divine Treasure, Property of the Wakamiya Deity
Chinese Porcelain Shishi Lion Figurine
This pure-white porcelain figurine depicts a shishi (mythical Chinese lion) with an embroidered ball by its feet. The surface has been stained, possibly by years of accumulated dust and soot. It is thought that the base of the figurine was designed to cover an incense burner, so that the smoke would rise through a channel in the lion’s body and emerge from the opening in its mouth.
The figurine is of Chinese origin and dates to the Song dynasty (960–1279), or possibly earlier. A similar piece is described in a record of items offered to Wakamiya Shrine before 1220. This suggests the figurine may have been kept at the shrine since the building was dedicated to the Wakamiya deity in 1135. Items made of Song porcelain were greatly prized, and this imported figurine was likely a cherished possession of the individual who donated it to the shrine.
Chinese lions have been symbols of might and bravery in Japan since at least the 700s. Although some depictions characterize shishi as fearsome guardians, this figurine is distinctly playful, with rounded haunches, wide eyes, and a bandolier of bells across its chest.
この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。