A 'XIANGTANGSHAN' LIMESTONE RELIEF FRAGMENT OF A SEATED LION NORTHERN QI DYNASTY

carved in high relief in profile, the beast seated on its haunches, its back defined by a gentle curve, the straight thick forelegs supporting strong-muscled shoulders, the head turned sharply to its right, detailed with square jaws above a wispy beard, open mouth and cleft lips baring a set of sharp fangs, below an upturned snout and bulging eyes framed by furrowed brows, all surmounted by two pricked ears, the greyish stone with traces of a white layer, red and ochre pigments, wood stand

Acquired between the 1950s and 60s.

The lower section of the left foreleg is missing and there is some surface wear. The base is truncated as visible on the photo. Otherwise there is no apparent recent damages or restorations.
"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."

The Xiangtangshan cave temples, located in the Fengfeng mining region of Handan, Hebei province, represent the height of Northern Qi religious carving. This vast cave temple complex, built in the 6th century under the rule of the Northern Qi dynasty, is made up of three parts: the Northern, Southern and Shuiyusi Xiangtangshan. It contained over four-thousand stone statutes, some of which are illustrated in Xiangtangshan shiku. .

Northern Qi lions have been called the most noble creatures to guard any tomb in Asia. See Ann Paludan in The Chinese Spirit Road, New Haven, 1991, p. 65, who describes them as perfectly balanced, with a strong sense of movement that is skilfully captured. Lion carvings of this type offer a sense of energy and strength that is unique to the period and is splendidly represented here.   

For comparison see two lions flanking an incense burner illustrated in Xiangtangshan shiku [Xiangtangshan grottoes], op.cit., 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 Xiangtanshan, pl. 64. Compare a further lion figure illustrated in Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, Tokyo, 1974, p. 134, pl. 57, dated in accordance with AD 562 and carved in relief on the front base of a stele.