~ Cloisonne-Style Enamel and Silver Gilt Shishi ~
Here we have a very playful, articulated character-piece decorated in colourful hues of glossy enamel.
Its frame and limbs are constructed from a neat weave of mesh-like silver wires, while its tilting head, mane, tale and swiveling ball are constructed from small, intricate panels of wire trapped enamel of deep cobalt blue, fir green, turquoise and white and blood red (all colours traditionally popular in Cloisonne items).
This piece is only small, but is abundant with character, and just as the Shishi or Foo-Dogs traditionally guard temples all over the East, this fellow would be an excellent guardian for your trinket box or jewellery collection.
~ Dimensions ~
The piece stands a mere inch and a half tall, and likewise, is one and a half inches long from nose to tail.
It weighs just 15g.
~ Condition ~
We are not certain of the exact date of the piece (there are certainly no maker’s marks or date stamps) but we judge it to be antique i.e. over 100 years in age, probably from the mid 1800s. With this in mind, and the fact that it has travelled from the other side of the world, the piece is in great shape.
The 360 articulation of the head is free and easy, and the piece stands easily with no careful balancing required.
All the teeth, eyes, ears, and other panels of enamel appear to be present and complete.
#12154
