A JAPANESE KAKIEMON WATER DROPPER

A JAPANESE KAKIEMON SHISHI SUITEKI (WATER DROPPER)
EDO PERIOD, C.1690

Modelled as a crouching lion dog, the mythical beast with its head raised and painted in red, blue, yellow, green and black enamels, with a small aperture to its back and with the mouth open, the flat base with gauze marks, 8.4cm.

Cf. J Welch, Okimono, Japanese Porcelain Figures from the Edo Period, pp.108-109, no.14 for a related model. The author mentions that small lion dog figures were used as amulets to protect from evil. Also, see Christie's London, Courtly Display, The Somlyo Collection of Japanese ceramics, p.34 no.7, for a similar pair of shishi.