Lot Essay
Jade sculptures of a larger and a smaller lion playing with a brocade ball were popular in the Ming dynasty and may have their origins in Jin period forms.
Details
A LARGE WHITE AND RUSSET JADE BUDDHISTIC LION AND TWO CUBS
MING DYNASTY
Carved in the round with the recumbent lion looking to the right and holding the ribbons of a brocade ball in her mouth while two cubs play at her side, the mane, back and tails of each lightly incised, the underside deeply carved with the legs, ball and ribbon, the stone predominantly of pale celadon tone with extensive pale russet streaks and inclusions
7in. (17.7cm.) long, box
MING DYNASTY
Carved in the round with the recumbent lion looking to the right and holding the ribbons of a brocade ball in her mouth while two cubs play at her side, the mane, back and tails of each lightly incised, the underside deeply carved with the legs, ball and ribbon, the stone predominantly of pale celadon tone with extensive pale russet streaks and inclusions
7in. (17.7cm.) long, box
Exhibited
Pacific Asia Museum, 1986, Catalogue, no. 112
San Antonio Museum of Art, 1986
The Dayton Art Institute, 1989, no. 163
San Antonio Museum of Art, 1986
The Dayton Art Institute, 1989, no. 163