Buddhist Lion-Dog, c. 1800
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Bamboo rootexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2001.138.8
Not on Viewexpand_more
Exquisitely carved from bamboo root, this small scholar's object represents a bushy-maned Buddhist lion-dog (shi zi) with two cubs and a pierced ball. The ball symbolizes the Buddhist jewel of truth that the lion dog protects. The theme is likely taken from fine-line paintings of Buddhist divinities, which often included fantastic beasts such as these. In style and technique, this sculpture is closest to the work of Shi Qiji also called da sheng. He was a second generation member of a well-known family of bamboo carvers in Jiading, Jiangsu province, the great bamboo carving center that produced a majority of the finest carvers.
Details
- Title
- Buddhist Lion-Dog
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2001.138.8
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.