CARVED TRANSOM PANEL（RANMA）, Openwork-carved with lion and peony design, Early Modern Period（16th–19th centuries）

The phrase "lion and peony" is often used to describe harmonious pairings.

This piece is a transom panel (ranma) intricately carved in openwork, depicting a lion and peony. The lion is rendered with a combination of rough and fine carving techniques to convey the texture of its fur, while the peony is brought to life through the three-dimensionality of its petals.

As a transom, it was installed between the upper walls and the lintel (kamoi), serving to partition space while allowing light and air to flow through. This is a small yet elegantly refined work.