A RARE TEMPLE LAMP OF BRONZE SHISHI SUPPORTING A BROCADE BALL Japan, 19th century Well cast and patinated bronze with neatly incised and chiseled decor, depicting six shishi in play, the larger three of them supporting a huge brocade ball pierced with shippo-hanabishi, while the smaller three seem to perform some sort of wild karashishi dance on top of the ball. Condition: Good overall condition with minor dents, losses, few old repairs, traces of wear and use, all exactly as expected from a bronze of this period and size. The ancient electricity fittings need professional maintenance. Provenance: The Ankarcrona Collection of Japanese Works of Art. Sten Ankarcrona (1861-1936) began collecting upon his first visit to Japan in the late 1880s, at the beginning of the golden age of travel and collecting in Europe. The young aristocratic Swedish naval officer became fascinated by the breadth of artistic production in the region and continued to add to his collection back in Europe. In 1923, by then an admiral, he was appointed by the King of Sweden to travel back to Japan on a special mission, where he spent two months making many more purchases. His love of Asian art was later passed down to his children and grandchildren, who have enriched the family collection during their own visits to Japan throughout the second half of the 20th century. HEIGHT 50 cm WEIGHT 10.1 kg On a massive hexagonal base, the sides carved and engraved with lobed panels alternately depicting flower sprays and further shishi. The inside of the ball with old silk lining. Auction comparison: Compare with a related Shishi temple lantern, sold at Christie's London, Asian Decorative Arts, 22 February 2001, lot 190 (sold for 9,165 GBP).