Artwork preview

Figure (Shishi)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Black and white image of a sculpture of a mythical creature. The creature has a large head with a snout like a lion and horns like a deer, two visible eyes, and an open mouth with sharp teeth. The body resembles a lion with four legs; two in front and two behind. The front legs are visible. The two front paws have four toes. The back legs are not fully visible. The tail is long and thin and curves out and down. The creature appears to be crouching on its hind legs. The entire sculpture appears to be made of dark wood or stone. The background is plain and light gray. The sculpture is titled "Figure (Shishi)" by an unknown artist.

Artwork details

Date:
1800
Medium:
Stoneware covered with thin glaze (Bizen ware)
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
555 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette