A SMALL SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY FIGURE OF A LION

Details

A SMALL SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY FIGURE OF A LION
TANG DYNASTY

Realistically modeled and shown seated on its rear haunches on a solid angular rockwork base, its head turned to one side with a defiant expression, its well modeled, muscular haunches and long curled mane covered in an iridescent pale cream glaze streaked with green and amber pooling to dark brown in areas
5 5/8in. (14.4cm.) high

Lot Essay

Compare a larger figure of a lion seated in a similar posture on pierced rockwork and covered in a pale straw glaze in the Royal Ontario Museum, illustrated by Mario Prodan, The Art of the T'ang Potter, New York, 1960, pl. 52. Two other lions, both seated on similar, layered rockwork and also of larger size, but with mouths wide open in a roar, are in the British Museum, London (glazed in bright green and cream), illustrated in Oriental Ceramics, The World's Great Collections, vol. 5, Tokyo, 1981, col. pl. 6 and in the Eisei Foundation (glazed in cream, brown and green), illustrated by Margaret Medley, T'ang Pottery and Porcelain, London, 1981, p. 63, no. 55

The result of Oxford thermoluminescence test no. 866b66 is consistent with the dating of this lot