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The richness of Chinese art and culture brought to you by {name}


Alexandra Xu

【Important notes】

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【Product details】

This exceptional 19-20th-century wooden sculpture depicts a powerful and dynamic lion dance performance. Carved entirely by hand with outstanding detail, the work features a pair of shishi (lion heads) in motion. When viewing the open mouths, the carved faces of the performers can be seen inside—faithfully representing the traditional structure of the lion dance, in which a dancer wears and animates the lion head from within. This clever and sophisticated carving technique brings a strong sense of realism and theatrical presence to the piece.

In Chinese and Japanese tradition, shishi embody protection, strength, and the ability to drive away negative forces. The lion dance is performed to purify a space, dispel harmful spirits, and usher in good fortune, making this sculpture not only visually striking but deeply symbolic.

The surface shows natural wear and patina appropriate for its age. Notably, there is a large crack on the face of one of the lions. There are also other scattered scratches, drying cracks, small losses, and several areas with old adhesive repairs. Two bells on the left lion are missing. The wooden base exhibits signs of age, including wood chips, scratches, scuffs, and areas of lacquer loss. Please note that the left lion does not sit completely flush on the mounting peg and remains slightly raised. Please review the photos for full details of the condition.

Dimensions: approx. H 69 cm W 90.5 cm D 41.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. 
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Fair condition - 69 cm

Shishi Dance Sculpture - Wood - China - 20th

Design & Contemporary Furniture

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Design & Contemporary Furniture

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Shishi Dance Sculpture - Wood - China - 20th

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