20TH CENTURY

Details

A MASSIVE PAIR OF CHINESE CLOISONNE ENAMEL BUDDHIST LIONS, ON PEDESTALS
20TH CENTURY
Each decorated with scrolling foliate motifs against a turquoise-blue ground, one with a paw placed protectively on its cub, the other on a brocade ball, each with collar hung with bell and seated on a plinth with diaper-pattern cloth set diagonally, above a stepped rectangular base on parcel-gilt and blue-painted plinths with applied Chinese characters above a scroll apron
The lions: 42 ¼ in. (107.5 cm.) high; 26 ¼ in. (66.5 cm.) wide; 33 ½ in. (85 cm.) deep
The plinths: 19 ¾ in. (50 cm.) high; 28 ½ in. (72.5 cm.) wide; 35 ½ in. (90 cm.) deep

Special notice

Specified lots are being stored at Crozier Park Royal (details below) or will be removed from Christie’s, 8 King Street, London, SW1Y 6QT by 5.00pm on the day of the sale. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. If the lot has been transferred to Crozier Park Royal, it will be available for collection from 12.00pm on the second business day following the sale. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Crozier Park Royal. All collections from Crozier Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s, 8 King Street, it will be available for collection on any working day (not weekends) from 9.00am to 5.00pm This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.

Conditions of sale

Lot Essay

Since ancient times, this great animal has been believed to possess great powers of protection. Often depicted in pairs, as in the current lot, the male playing with a brocade ball and the female with a cub; statues and figurines of these majestic beasts were placed outside important buildings and sites, such as Imperial palaces, tombs, government offices and residences of officials. There are for example, four great stone lions, amongst six other animal pairs, that line the walkway to the Ming dynasty Imperial tombs.

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