Tiny Ivory Pig detailed with concentric rings of orange

with concentric rings of orange

How not to love

I believe the animal depicted on the lid of this beautiful presumed Japanese lacquer box is a Shi-shi or Shisa dog-- a creature resembling a cross between a lion and a dog that derives from Okinawan mythology and is perceived to be a ward protecting from evils

though I have found late 19th century Burmese lacquer boxes with the exact same shape and handle

I’d like to think this this handy guide accompanied Ms

Tiny Ivory Pig detailed with concentric rings of orangeI don't know anything about this history of this tiny carved pig, presumed to be ivory, but I think it's pretty great! I found it at an estate sale of a man who served in Japan during WWII and brought a lot back with him, which may be where this little guy came from. 1 3 8" long x 3 8" wide x 7 8" tall and in great vintage condition.