A fine small silver netsuke of a shishi. Mid-19th centurySeated, the head turned to the right, protectively placing its paws over a huge gilt ball. Incised lines imitating characters underneath the ball. Since the piece is too heavy to be used as a netsuke, it was most probably used as a paperweight (bunchin).Height 2.8 cm; length 3.6 cmProvenienzPurchased from Hartmann Rare Art at the Dallas Fairmont Hotel, October 1981Coll. no. 543 (handwritten)A fine small silver netsuke of a shishi. Mid-19th centurySeated, the head turned to the right, protectively placing its paws over a huge gilt ball. Incised lines imitating characters underneath the ball. Height 2.8 cm; length 3.6 cm