Lion/Shi Shi Dogs Kamakura Period 13th c

This rare pair of lion-dogs were restored at least four previous times. They were received covered with a new layer of gilding, that was itself, quite unstable. After poking around, we discovered, what would be the remains of the original ground, with fragments of the original paint, and took it down to that level. They had very few carving loses, which we replaced, and while doing so, discovered the date inscription on the inside of one of the loose pieces of wood.