A GREENISH-WHITE JADE FIGURE OF A BUDDHISTIC LION

18TH CENTURY

细节

A GREENISH-WHITE JADE FIGURE OF A BUDDHISTIC LION
18TH CENTURY
The recumbent beast carved with broad head and curly mane, gazing at the viewer while grasping in its mouth the ribbon tied to the brocade ball held between its front paws, the details of its pronounced backbone and tail finely rendered
3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm.) long, fitted wood stand

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Although the lion is not native to China, its image has long been important to the repertoire of Chinese iconography. Lions are often seen in stone statuary, symbolizing protection and law, and appeared on decorative arts as early as the Tang dynasty. Buddhistic lions playing with brocade balls became the most popular form of imagery incorporating the lion, and appear much later, perhaps becoming most popular during the Qing dynasty.

A jade group of two buddhistic lions, one in a similar pose grasping a brocade ball between its paws and its ribbon in its jaws, from the E.J.C. Vint collection, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 3 December 2008, lot 2609.