A pair of rare and impressive bronze Buddhist lions 18th/19th century
281W
A pair of rare and impressive bronze Buddhist lions
Mid Qing Dynasty
Each of the imposing lions cast with the head raised and mouth open revealing sharp teeth and tongue, below curling eyebrows flanking the horn, with flowing hair parted into separate tresses and divided by the knobbly spine reaching up to the separately-cast tail, each lion with a ribbon tied around its neck suspending a pear-shaped tassel, one with its left foreleg resting on a brocade ball and a playful cub climbing over its back.
The larger 88cm (34 5/8in) long (7).
Sold for £97,250 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • 清中期 青銅戲獅一對

    This pair of lions is exceptional for its size and the complexity of the casting, creating impressive yet playful and amusing companions.

    Buddhist lions have a long history in Chinese art, from fearsome guardians and protective spirits to the later more playful depictions, often as larger lion, 大獅 dashi, playing with a cub, 小獅 xiao shi, or playing with a brocade ball. These represent a pun for 'may you and your descendants achieve high rank' 太獅少獅 taishi shaoshi.

Auction Notices

  • Please note that this lot is large and will therefore be transferred to Bonhams warehouse at 5pm on Thursday 8 November. The lot will be available for collection from 2pm on Friday 9 November.

Category: Asian Art / Chinese Works of Art

Auction terms and conditions

Contacts

Christine Mitchell Bonhams
Work
101 New Bond Street
London, W1S 1SR
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Work +44 20 7468 8248
FaxFax: +44 20 7495 5251
Auction Administration - Chinese Works of Art
Olivia Hamilton Bonhams
Work
101 New Bond Street
London, W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Work +44 20 7468 8236
FaxFax: +44 20 7495 5251
Specialist - Chinese Works of Art