A MASSIVE PAIR OF TURQUOISE AND CREAM-GLAZED ‘BUDDHIST LION’ STANDS, MING DYNASTY


Expert’s note:
The zhadou-form vases on the lions’ backs at one time probably each supported a large temple lamp, the stands placed on either side of a main altar. Evidence for candles made from whale fat in China dates back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).

China, 15th - early 17th century. Each fearsome lion stands foursquare with its head proudly raised and tail flicked upward in an alert expression marked by large bulging eyes and flared nostrils. The rich scrolling mane finely incised and muscular body festooned with an ornate caparison, supporting on its back a zhadou-form vase. The lions covered with a lustrous turquoise glaze with some details picked out in cream. Both lions show fangs, and one bares its teeth.


Provenance:
From a private collection in Bordeaux, France.

Condition:
Good condition with expected old wear, weathering and firing irregularities, minor losses with associated old repairs and touchups, one lion with the tail reattached. Minor chips and light scratches.

Weight: 12.3 kg and 12.7 kg (excl. stand); 13.1 kg and 13.5 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 39.5 cm (excl. stand) and 39.9 cm (excl. stand); 43.3 cm (incl. stand) and 43.5 cm (incl. stand)

Each with a fitted wood stand. (4)


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 13 September 2019, lot 1083
Price: USD 35,000 or approx.
EUR 38,000
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A massive tileworks figure of a seated Buddhist lion, Ming-early Qing dynasty, 15th-17th century
Expert remark: Compare the related turquoise and cream glazes, albeit with additional green and ivory glazes. Compare also the closely related modeling with similar features. Note the size (81.3 cm) and that the lot comprises a single lion.




明代一對松石綠色釉佛獅燭臺

中國，十五至十七世紀初。佛獅四足著地，昂首挺胸，尾巴向上翹起，大眼圓睜，鼻孔張開，齜牙咧嘴，表情警惕。濃密捲曲的鬃毛，雕刻精美，身軀矯健，背上背著一個燭臺。獅子通體施濃鬱的松石綠色釉，局部細節用米黃色釉突出。


來源：
法國波爾多地區私人收藏。

品相：
狀況良好，有磨損、風化和燒製不規則、輕微缺損有小修補，一隻獅子的尾巴重新連接，輕微缺口和劃痕。

重量：分別為12.3 公斤 與12.7 公斤 (不含底座); 分別13.1 公斤與 13.5 公斤 (含底座)
尺寸：分別高39.5 厘米 (不含底座) 與39.9 厘米 (不含底座); 分別高43.3 厘米 (含底座) 與 43.5 厘米 (含底座)

各配置木底座 (4)


拍賣結果比較：

形制：相近
拍賣：紐約佳士得，2019年9月13日，lot 1083
價格：USD 35,000（相當於今日
EUR 38,000
）
描述：明/清初三彩獅子坐像
專家評論：比較相近的綠松石和奶油色釉面，雖然沒有綠和奶油色釉面。 比較非常相近的模型、尺寸(81.3 厘米) ，以及此為一隻獅子。