The lion (shishi) in Chinese and Japanese symbolism is a sort of cross of lion and dog (similar to the Chinese Pekingese). The lion painted on this pot therefore has few similarity to a living lion.
Normally these lion creatures are pictured as a couple. The male lion often has a horn on its forehead, the female doesn't have one. In combination with other symbols like lion puppies, balls, peonies and lucky clouds diverse meanings are displayed. The lion stands for absolute power and not even the element wind can harm it. That is why it is often pictured with ruffled „wave and cloud hair“, like on this beautiful pot.
Very noticeable are the lovely handles, a lion head which sticks its tongue out, and the paw-shaped feet. Ornaments and floral patterns (bamboo, maple, pine) cover the whole pot, a masterpiece of the art of pottery.