Bizen
Lion Dog Figure
1978.263.001
period
early 19th century
era
Edo Period (1615-1868)
object name
figurine
object type
Lion-dog
material
stoneware; glaze
height
21.3
cm
width
19.1
cm
depth
30.6
cm
culture
Japanese
subject
lion-dog myth karashishi
credit
Gift of Mrs. Percy Gotz
Description
Bizen kilns located in Okayama Prefecture have been active since the thirteen century, but it was not until the 17th century that a new spurt of creativity blossomed due to the demands of export trade.
From the 17th century on the Bizen kilns became noted for various types of mythical figurines, humans, animals and fish. This temple lion-dog playing with a ball, made of a white glazed ware known as Haku-Bizen (white Bizen) is excellently modelled. It was formed out of a slab, modelled and incised by a master potter.
The inscription on the accompanying box reads: "Haku (white) Bizen shishi okimono, passed down by the han Lord of Iwakuni, Yoshikawa, presented by (his) retainer Harada."