Shishi. Before the necessary sequestering, I enjoyed many a foray into thrift stores and used bookstores. This pretty little tray caught my eye because I already had plans for a pair of lion-dogs in one of my stores. ::eyebrow waggle::
Lion-dogs. Guardian lions. Imperial guardians. Foo dogs. They originated in China. You’ve probably seen them in the background of anime, during shrine/temple visits or trips to visit the family grave. They’re statuary protectors, sometimes stone, sometimes bronze. In Japan, the lion-dogs are generally referred to as komainu or as shishi.
FORTHRIGHT 
Looks like a ink well for brush painting. Nice find.
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It’s very heavy for its size.
I enjoy finding things in thrift stores, but I usually only carry home (bagfuls of) books. Exceptions (like this) are usually book-related … in that they remind me of something from my own stories.
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I saw a lion dog on someone’s porch today! Unless it was a dragon. We were driving too fast for me to get a good enough look.
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Not gonna lie. I’d love to add shishi lions or stone lanterns to my front step. Not sure Mr. Right is convinceable. ::laugh::
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Maybe he’d consent to a SEASONAL pair of guardians? At least for appropriate holidays!
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Great find! I love poking through thrift stores myself… 😁
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They are beautiful but I’m partial to them…as I gaze at the 3 Chinese SharPei lounging around the room😍
I love thrift shops….you can always find wonderful stuff…one mans (or woman’s) treasure… I figure we bring our old stuff to thrift shops so they can find a new life with someone else.
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Lovely. I agree it looks like an ink stand.
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