Maedate - Shishi in sentoku shakudo silver and gold, Edo or Meiji périod

The maedate (frontal badge of the Japanese helmet) represents a small Buddhist lion (Shishi), it is made of embossed and chiseled copper alloy (sentoku), inlaid with silver and shakudo. The irises and the tongue are probably hot-gilded with mercury, but it is not excluded that they are solid gold, we can test them on request. The interior of the maedate is gilded with gold powder on lacquer . The mane, hair and tail are made of drawn silver thread. The maedates are mostly made of polychrome wood and gold lacquered and are of low quality, those made of rarer metals are generally very simple and mainly made of iron. The maedate presented here is absolutely exceptional. We do not know of Maedate of this quality anywhere.
The little animal is represented full of energy and life, the artist knew how to animate his creation, his shishi is furious, full of rage.
It is an exceptional object which deserves to be enthroned in the most beautiful collections.
The retaining rod is missing. Excellent condition, well preserved patina and gilding. Hairs and manes in black oxidized silver, no missing or restoration. Edo-Meiji period probably 19th century but perhaps before.
Length: 16cm