A RARE LIMESTONE 'XIANGTANGSHAN' SCULPTURE OF A SEATED LION NORTHERN QI DYNASTY

boldly carved in the round, seated on its haunches, with a prominent chest and head raised in an alert posture, the face detailed with a plump muzzle and a broad nose above grinning lips revealing sharp fangs, and a trifurcated wispy beard, the bulging eyes framed by heavy brows and pricked ears, framed by a broad curling mane, the back marked with a long upright tail extending along the spine, the stone of pale grey colour with russet shades and buff undertones, old wood base

Acquired between the 1950s and 60s.

The fragment is in overall good condition. An approx. 13 by 9 cm. area on the rear of the lion comprising the upper section of the tail had originally been truncated and is now patched with a later carved section of stone.
"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."

Stone sculptures of lions have traditionally been symbols of power and the present figure is of a rare type known, for example, from the Xiangtangshan cave temples in the region of Handan in southern Hebei province. This sculpture is impressive for its vivid depiction of this fierce and powerful animal. The carver has skilfully fashioned the muscular body to reflect the animal’s strength while its facial expression is that of an intelligent creature.

Seated lions of similar facial and body features were carved in relief in many of the cave temples at Xiangtangshan; for example see two lions flanking an incense burner illustrated in Xiangtangshan shiku [Xiangtangshan grottoes], Beijing, 2003, pl. 95, together with a pair of lions depicted in situ from the north wall of cave no. 3 at Northern Xiangtangshan, pl. 34, and another pair from the south wall in cave no. 1 at Southern Xiangtangshan, pl. 64.

See two slightly earlier but stylistically comparable carvings of guardian lions, both attributed to the early 6th century, illustrated in Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, Tokyo, 1974, pls. 42-43; and a number of slightly later examples published in Ann Paludan, The Chinese Spirit Road, New Haven, 1991, pls.126, 149-52, and col. pls. 10-11. Compare also a pair of seated lions carved in limestone and attributed to the late 6th century, one with its mouth agape signifying the mouthing of a and the other with mouth closed representing the sound um for the first two letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, included in Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, op.cit., pl. 78.