Japanese Shi-shi dogs, also known as shishi or lion dogs, are part of traditional Japanese culture. They are typically depicted as a lion-like creature with a fierce expression and large, curled mane. The shi-shi is a symbol of protection and is often placed at the entrance of homes, temples, and government buildings to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

The origins of the shi-shi can be traced back to China, where they were first used as a symbol of power and protection in the Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE). They were later introduced to Japan during the 7th century, where they were incorporated into the culture and beliefs of the Japanese people.

Over time, the shi-shi has become a popular decorative item and a symbol of Japanese culture. They are often made of stone, bronze, or wood and can be found more...

19 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Two large Menuki, Edo period (1603-1868), in felt lined…

Two large Menuki, Edo period (1603-1868), in felt lined presentation box, two quality mixed metal menuki sword hilt decorations featuring opposing shishi and peony designs, unsigned. 7.5 cm wide, condition: no visible faults or damage.

Chinese Shi Shi dog ornaments, pair of silver and enamel…

Chinese Shi Shi dog ornaments, pair of silver and enamel playful protective silver wire work Fu dogs on stands, marked silver to base, length 9 cm

A pair of massive Oriental ceramic temple lions, sancai glazed,…

Oriental Temple Lions with Sancai Glaze and Damage

A pair of massive Oriental ceramic temple lions, sancai glazed, in traditional poses, the male with forepaw upon a brocade ball, the female with paw upon a pup, on conforming draped square plinths. Some old damage. 51 x 42 x 107 cm.

A pair of Qing period Chinese marble temple lions carved as…

Qing Marble Temple Lions with Pups

A pair of Qing period Chinese marble temple lions carved as newel post finials both accompanied by pups, the male with foot upon a brocade ball, the female with a ribbon cascading from her mouth, Both raised on short remnant post bases with reciprocal…

Pair Chinese gilded carved wood temple lions each carved wood…

Chinese Gilded Carved Wood Temple Lions (Pair)

Pair Chinese gilded carved wood temple lions each carved wood temple lion figure on a wood base, height 20 cm, total each.

Pair of Tang style Sancai temple lions, 34 cm x 29 cm x 29 cm…

Sancai Temple Lions Pair

Pair of Tang style Sancai temple lions, 34 cm x 29 cm x 29 cm some slight wear including chips etc

Two carved stone Chinese temple lions, modelled in crouching…

Pair of Chinese Temple Lion Carvings

Two carved stone Chinese temple lions, modelled in crouching stance on plinth bases, height 23.5 cm.

A pair of carved stone lions, 'Shishi', architectural ornaments…

Carved Chinese Lion Ornaments from Fairwater

A pair of carved stone lions, 'Shishi', architectural ornaments which originated in Chinese Buddhism. This pair once in the sitting room of Fairwater 46 cm wide x 16 cm deep x 41.5 cm high (2).

Impressive pair of 19th century Chinese famille verte temple…

19th Century Chinese Famille Verte Temple Lions

Impressive pair of 19th century Chinese famille verte temple lions. Provenance: Purchased Webb's auction, October 1993, Estate of Noel & Margaret Dick, originally from the well-known Chinese garden of Mr D Fergusion of Kerikeri. They were sited for many…

A pair of rollicking Hirado Shi Shi lion dogs, 20th century,…

Blue and White Hirado Shi Shi Lion Dogs

A pair of rollicking Hirado Shi Shi lion dogs, 20th century, well modelled slip cast blue and white dogs engaged in play fighting, height 14.5 cm width 18.5 cm

Good pair Chinese carved marble temple lions each carved temple…

Chinese Carved Marble Temple Lion Pair

Good pair Chinese carved marble temple lions each carved temple lion, on a marble base, height 43 cm approx, each; length 25 cm approx, each.

Pair Chinese carved hardstone temple lions each of carved green…

Pair of Chinese Carved Hardstone Temple Lions

Pair Chinese carved hardstone temple lions each of carved green hardstone, on fitted, carved wood stands.(Height 13 cm approx, each, including stand).

Pair of Chinese soapstone temple lions, 15 cm high

Chinese Soapstone Temple Lions - 15cm Pair

Pair of Chinese soapstone temple lions, 15 cm high

A Pair of Chinese gilt metal temple lions, 20th century

Chinese Gilt Metal Temple Lions, 20th Century

A Pair of Chinese gilt metal temple lions, 20th century

A pair of Chinese bronze temple lions. Height 39 cm, bearing…

Chinese Bronze Temple Lions, 39 cm

A pair of Chinese bronze temple lions. Height 39 cm, bearing character marks to base

A pair of Chinese bronze Shishi or lion dogs on separate bronze…

Chinese Bronze Shishi Lion Dogs on Stands

A pair of Chinese bronze Shishi or lion dogs on separate bronze stands. Height 10 cm each

Pair of large Chinese carved stone temple lions base 27 cm x 40…

Large Chinese Carved Stone Temple Lions Pair

Pair of large Chinese carved stone temple lions base 27 cm x 40 cm, 73 cm high approx.

A pair of Chinese painted cast iron temple lions 74 x 85 cm

Chinese Painted Cast Iron Temple Lions, 74x85cm

A pair of Chinese painted cast iron temple lions 74 x 85 cm

A pair of antique carved, ivory temple lions. Provenance:…

Antique Ivory Temple Lions from Lammert Bros Auctioneers

A pair of antique carved, ivory temple lions. Provenance: Lammert Bros, Auctioneers, Hong Kong