Josui
Early 19th century
A young boy dressed for the New Year Shishimai parade holds the huge lion mask over his head, his face peering out from the fierce gaping mouth. The long fabric ‘body’ flowing down his back is decorated with patterned whorls indicating musculature and streamer-like ribbons that suggest the creature’s luxuriant mane. The barefoot child wears a bib embroidered with a peony motif. The shishi represents the king of beasts, the peony the king of flowers. The eyes of both the mask and the boy are inlaid in dark horn.
