A POWERFUL AND EARLY TSUISHU LACQUER NETSUKE OF A SHISHI ON BASEUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A powerfully sculpted netsuke, bulky and heavy, depicting a Buddhist lion curled up on a base, with neatly incised fur and sweeping tail, floppy ears, reishi nose, the mythical animal turnings its head and snarling. The base is incised with a key fret design to the sides and with an asanoha pattern to the underside. Two himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 3.5 cm, HEIGHT 3 cmCondition: Worn condition with losses to lacquer and some crackling.Provenance: Ex-collection Conte Don Enrico Lucchesi Palli, Monarch of Campofranco. Purchased in 1889, when he accompanied his cousin Enrico (Henry), Prince of Parma, Earl of Bardi, on a tour of the world from 1887-1891. Thence by descent within the same family.