A CROUCHING JADE 'LION' SONG DYNASTY

the celadon green stone with brown and russet patches carved in the form of a recumbent lion, reclining with his paws stretched by the side of his head and his body slightly curved to one side, this bushy bifurcated tail curling up on either side of his haunches, and the finely incised mane running the length of his spine

Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 84.

Hei-Chi, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 155.

Anthology of Chinese Art: Min Chiu Society Silver Jubilee Exhibition, Hong Kong, 1985, pl. 213.

The overall condition is very good with only some patches of russet and black around the face and front paws.
"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."

Carved with a playful expression characteristic of Song archaistic pieces, this piece is notable for its finely carved details such as the depiction of tufts of hair falling either side of the spine and the intricate paws. For further examples of similarly rendered recumbent creatures, see one in the Y. Ip collection, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, The University Museum and Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 112; another, but with a less-detailed tail and base, from the Mary and George Bloch collection, sold in these rooms, 23^rd October 2005, lot 147; and a third of a lion with cub, also included in the exhibition ibid., cat. no. 109.

For the Han dynasty prototype, see one in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pl. 26:7, and included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 43.