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Ceremonial helmet with lion dog and peony design

Ceremonial helmet with lion dog and peony design
(Shishi botan jingasa 獅子牡丹陣笠)
(19th century)

Medium
lacquer on (leather) (maki-e), metal, silk, mother-of-pearl, (other materials)

Measurements
15.0 × 55.0 cm diameter

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Joan Gunn, 2011

Gallery location
Not on display

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About this work

During the Edo period, jingasa (military hats) symbolised a samurai’s daily attire in times of peace. Jingasa were also used for travel, hunting, riding, police duty and municipal outings, while also maintaining a public display of the samurai’s high social status. Often appearing gambolling among peony flowers in a celebration of long life and happiness, mythological ‘lion dogs’ known as shishi were associated with samurai as protectors of society. They were thought to possess magical properties that could repel evil and bring bountiful harvests, while their dance was considered a form of exorcism against disease and bad luck.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
Japan

Accession Number
2011.340

Department
Asian Art

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation