A LARGE AND RARE CARVED STONE FIGURE OF A RAM 9TH/10TH CENTURY

naturalistically and powerfully carved, the beast recumbent on a rectangular base, the head raised and facing forwards, framed by the large C-shaped horns, the stone of light grey tone

The ram is in good overall condition with exception of minor nibbles around the base and a relatively uneven patination characteristic with exposure to the elements.
"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."

Tang tomb sculptures were designed to give an accurate picture of reality, and to exert its inherent powers the stone image needed to reproduce correctly that which it represented. The belief that an image could influence both the material and spiritual worlds was reinforced if made of stone; as stone was an enduring medium, it possessed longevity and was a means for attaining immortality. In imperial spirit roads, statuary was chosen to produce a deliberate statement about the nature and aspirations of the dynasty. 

Symbolic of filial piety, yang, the collective name for sheep, rams, lambs, ewes, and goats, is a homophone of yang, the male principle or positive force, which represents the spirit or breath of light and life, which returns at the beginning of spring. The present piece is stylistically reminiscent of the large statues that line spirit roads that were placed in two parallel lines forming an alley leading to the tomb. As they were viewed by people visiting the tomb, they were carved to have most impact when viewed from the side.

For a seventh century example of large stone rams in situ from the east side of the road of General Li Ji, Zhaoling, see Ann Paludan, The Chinese Spirit Road. The Classical Tradition of Stone Tomb Statuary, New Haven and London, 1991, fig. 131. Smaller carvings of animals such as the present ram, would have been placed at the entrance of tombs, as seen in the pair of lions illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Diao su bian, vol. 13, 1989, Beijing, pls. 120-123. Compare related carvings of various animals, such as a pair of lions from the Sui dynasty (589-618) included in the exhibition Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 1974, cat. no. 78; a recumbent camel sold at Christie's New York, 10^th December 1987, lot 313, and again, 4^th June 1992, lot 145; and a seated lion sold in our New York rooms, 19^th March 1997, lot 161.