A RARE AND MASSIVE TURQUOISE-GLAZED FIGURE OF A BUDDHIST LION, QING DYNASTY


Expert’s note:
This turquoise Buddhist lion belongs to a specially commissioned statuary group that served as guardians and was most likely made for an important temple. Few related sculptures of such massive proportions have survived, making the present lot exceedingly rare.

China, c. 17th-18th century. Superbly modeled in two separate parts, figure and base. The beast propping its front legs up on a brocade ball, looking straight ahead with alert expression, dark pupils, the mouth agape revealing teeth and sharp fangs, its face further detailed with neatly incised whiskers and spiked hairs around the mouth and brows, below three spiral horns to the forehead flanked by floppy ears. The finely incised mane and the front legs with similarly modeled spikes and neatly stippled, its long bushy tail sinuously curling upward. The lion wears a collar with floral medallions suspending bells and tassels. (2)


Provenance:
French trade. Acquired from an estate in Lyon.

Condition:
Expected ancient wear and manufacturing irregularities, such as glaze recesses, glaze flaking, and firing cracks. Shallow surface scratches, small losses, and minor old repairs. Overall displaying exceptionally well.

Weight: 36.6 kg
Dimensions: Height 105.3 cm

The imposing male lion seated on its haunches atop the separately modeled rectangular waisted plinth decorated with foliate lappets and supported on a shaped apron. Covered overall in a rich lustrous turquoise glaze.


As in the West, the lion in China
was regarded as the king of the beasts, and was a symbol of protection, harmony, blessings and high rank. In their capacity as defenders of the Buddhist law and protector of sacred buildings, lion figures were placed at the entrance to temples, shrines, and sometimes private residences. They were usually placed in pairs with the male (holding a brocade ball) on the left and the female (with a cub) on the right.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 5 June 2004, lot 201
Price: USD 83,650 or approx.
EUR 127,000
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A pair of massive Chinese turquoise, aubergine, and ochre-glazed tileworks figures of Buddhistic lions on stands, Ming dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the related subject and modeling. Note the size (134.6 cm), additional aubergine and ochre glazes, and that the lot comprises a pair. Also note that this example dates from an earlier period than the present lot.




清代綠松石色釉坐獅


中國，約十七至十八世紀。太獅坐姿端正，直視前方，神情警惕，昂首張嘴，似乎正發出兇猛的吼聲，露出舌頭和獠牙，雙眼圓睜，鬃毛捲曲，尾巴上捲，胸前戴著項圈。通體覆蓋著鮮艷的綠松石色釉。(2)


來源：
法國古玩交易，據説來自里昂舊藏。

品相：
磨損和製造不規則，例如釉面凹陷、釉面剝落和燒製裂紋。表面淺劃痕、小缺損和輕微舊修。 重量：36.6 公斤
尺寸：高 105.3 厘米


拍賣結果比較:

形制：相近
拍賣：紐約佳士得，2004年6月5日，lot 201
價格：USD 83,650（相當於今日
EUR 127,000
）
描繪：一對明代綠松石和茄子色和赭色釉坐獅
專家評論：比較相近的主題和模型。請注意尺寸(134.6 厘米)，但有茄子色和赭色釉，以及此為一對。請注意年代較早。