#1498 Rare Pair of Hirado Porcelain Shishi / Lions from Japan, Edo Period circa 1820-1850 **Sold** to USA, January 2021

A rare pair of heavy (solid) under glaze cobalt blue decorated porcelain Shishi Lions (koma inu 狛犬)made in the Hirado kilns, Mikawachi, Japan during the later years of the Edo period. Although previously thought to have been made late in the Meiji period (1868-1911) recent scholarship, by (among others) the late David Hyatt-King, is now indicating that these koma inu were made much earlier, circa 1820-1850. 

Condition: there is an old lead strap work repair to the openwork brocade ball under the paws of the female (closed mouth) and both lions have firing cracks to the base. No additional 'damages' and no restoration. 

15 cm (6 inches long); 10 cm (4 inches) high