A FINE AND LARGE PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL FIGURES OF SEATED BUDDHISTIC LIONS 18TH/19TH CENTURY

each boldly modelled and the eyes inlaid with tigers eye stone  looking slightly to the left and right, wearing gilded tassels and bells on collars around the neck, the body blue and the tightly curled mane in gilt, one with its paw resting on a gilt 'brocade' ball, the other on a cub

Both of these impressive large lions are in very good overall condition with the exception of light rubbing to the gilding, predominantly around the tips of the ears and jaws, some light flaking to the enamel around the claws on the left front paw of the female lion and to the left and right paw of the male lion, a 5x1cm., area of flaking and loss to the bottom edge of the left rear paw of the female lion, and similar loss to the bottom edge of the right rear paw of the male lion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These boldly modelled examples would originally have had matching stepped rectangular bases. A similar large pair with bases were sold at Christie's London, 18th December 1978, lot 390; and a slightly earlier, smaller pair without bases, from the collection of Christian and Lady Hesketh, sold in these rooms, 7th March 2007, lot 249.