Japanese Vintage Retro 獅子舞 Shishimai dancing Dragon doll Traditional Folk Art 55Gbp

Lovely Japanese vintage 獅子舞 Shishimai dancing Dragon doll. 

Wood with lacquer finish. 1960/70s. Wear all over and some small holes in the fabric. Also some sticking coming away from the head. Please refer to pictures. Mouth open and shuts

Head W12cm x H7cm x L11cm


Japan has a long tradition of the lion dance and the dance is known as shishi-mai (獅子舞) in Japanese. It is thought to have been imported from China during the Tang Dynasty, and became associated with celebration of Buddha's Birthday. The first lion dance recorded in Japan was at the inauguration ceremonies of Todai-ji in Nara in 752. The oldest surviving lion mask, made of paulownia wood with an articulated lower jaw, is also preserved in Todai-ji. 

The dance is commonly performed during the New Year to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits, and the lion dancers may be accompanied by flute and drum musicians. It is also performed at other festivals and celebrations. In some of these performances, the lions may bite people on the head to bring good luck.