Fo lion, Roots, 19th century

Made from pawlonia or wisteria roots, this funny lion stands on its four legs, its tail in plume. His expressive eyes are made of glass.

Called Shishi in Japan, Foo lion in English and Chien de Fo in French, it is a representation of the protector of Buddhism.
Objects made from roots collected in nature are considered scholar objects. With the opening of Japan, they met with great success and some were manufactured for export at the time of the universal exhibitions.

Japan, Meiji period.
H31cm W35cm D15cm