paire de shishi en porcelaine kakiemon Japon, époque Edo, circa 1680

assis sur leur train arrière, l'air patibulaire, la queue dressée, le pelage tacheté, l'un la gueule entrouverte, l'autre les narines dilatées ; accident au bout de la queue de l'un

The Cranstoun Collection, Corehouse.

The shishi on the left has a chip to the extremity of its tail (visible on the photo). His front right legg is broken and reglued. There is a small flake above his left eyebrow. A 1 cm firing flaw in the glaze on the lower jaw. A few other minor firing imperfections and some rubbing to the iron red enamel. The shishi to the right has a chip reglued to the front right paw (approx 1,2 x 1,2 cm). There is a hairline 9cm below the body with associated minute flaking to the glaze. Some rubbing to the iron red enamel and other expected minor firing imperfections. Otherwise in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Compare with a close pair of Kakiemon shishi from the Burghley House Collection, illustrated in the catalogue of the exhibition Porcelain for Palaces, The Fashion for Japan in Europe 1650-1750, London, 1990, pl. 167.
See also a similar model sold in our London rooms, 23rd November 1992, lot 5 and 15th November 2001, lot 455.