Stephen Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 We often see this motif on tsuba and fittings. Is there a story behind this theme? Quote
Tanto54 Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 Hi Stephen, the pairing symbolizes Regal Power - the Shishi is the King of beasts and the Botan (Peony) is the King of Flowers. Semper Fi... 2 Quote
Tanto54 Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 No problem, there is a story that I heard, but I've never been able to find any scholarly references to back this up (so it may be total BS...) The Shishi is all powerful except that one small insect that lives in its fur can burrow in and eventually kill it. Supposedly the nectar of the Peony carried by the dew kills the bug. There is a Buddhist saying "Shishi shinchu no mushi" that basically means it's the little things inside of us that will destroy us instead of the things outside. With that understanding, the pairing of the Shishi and Botan (Peony) would mean overcoming our inner doubts and fears (but again, I have no scholarly reference to back up this interpretation). 3 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 According to classical Chinese thought. There is a very narrow bridge over a ravine to reach paradise or heaven; on the far side are fields of flowering peony bushes, with Shishi lion dogs playing among them. 2 Quote
b.hennick Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 Darcy just listed a great set of menuki with this theme - solid gold juyo... Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 Hi George, here's the reference to "Shishi shinchu no mushi" 師子身中の虫 (Worms within the Lion's body) It appears in three Sutra: http://www.chinabuddhismencyclopedia.com/en/index.php?title=Worms_within_the_lion's_body 1 Quote
Stephen Posted October 8, 2020 Author Report Posted October 8, 2020 (edited) I had so wanted this but i know it will go beyond my means. Hope a member wins it. https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/k468278322? Check size Edited October 8, 2020 by Stephen 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 Nice. Have they oiled it, though? 🤨 Quote
Steves87 Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 I bid on this one Sunday night just gone (Jauce) it went for about $85, what do you think? Look familiar? I lost the auction by about $5... Dale R (Spartancrest) alerted me to your example. Very surprised it had popped up just a day or so after! I love the theme, I have one example. 1 Quote
Stephen Posted October 8, 2020 Author Report Posted October 8, 2020 Sure wish id seen it....id done much more. Tks Stephen 1 Quote
Steves87 Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 Hope you don't mind me sharing my example, here it is Quote
Stephen Posted October 8, 2020 Author Report Posted October 8, 2020 Not at all! More the better. GM what did Malcolm share? Quote
Tanto54 Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 Hi Stephen, Malcolm shared a link to write up about the Shishi "worms" that might support the story about why Shishi are often seen with Peony. Quote
Stephen Posted October 8, 2020 Author Report Posted October 8, 2020 Oh thanks i didnt scroll back far enough. Yes very interesting. Quote
Curran Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 On 10/8/2020 at 4:14 AM, b.hennick said: Darcy just listed a great set of menuki with this theme - solid gold juyo... Expand ? I don't see them. Quote
Curran Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 Oh, the "Ko-Mino" menuki again. Very pretty. Yeah, this is their third time on Aoi Arts this past decade. They keep coming back. Twice within the last year or so. This time, another price bump- but it has bids. Caveat Emptor. Quote
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