Hand carved bone figure. Depicts a Shishimai dancer. The Shishimai, or lion dance was originally imported from mainland China in the seventh century. This figure depicts a lion dancer wearing a costume consisting of a long cloak with a mask of the head of the Shishi, the mythical half lion, half dog beast. The front of the costume is open to show the face and legs of the dancer. The figure is tubular in shape and hollow in the middle.

Husband of Hedda Morrison.

Note that this name should not be confused with the differently-spelled "Morrison, Alistair" (artist).

Morrison, Alastair

Morrison, Hedda

Japan, Asia

Mythology

Dancing

Japanese culture

Japanese design

96/61/3 Netsuke, in a shape of lion dancer, bone, Japan, Edo period / Meiji era, 1700-1900

Small objects of ivory, wood, etc, usually carved or decorated, used in Japanese dress as a toggle to prevent a pouch or other article, to which it is attached by a cord, from slipping through the girdle.

POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Netsuke in a shape of lion dancer

Object No. 96/61/3

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