Lot 121
  • 121

A GILT-BRONZE ‘LION’ PAPERWEIGHT MING DYNASTY

Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 HKD
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Description

  • gilt bronze
naturalistically modelled as a muscular seated lion with bulging eyes and curly mane, animatedly scratching its left ear with its left hind-paw while scratching his left side with his front left paw, wearing a bell strung around its neck on a double cord

Provenance

Christie’s London, 10th December 1979, lot 41.
Collection of Robert A. Hall, London, November 1980.

Exhibited

Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 51.

Condition

There is some wear consistent with age to the bronze surface, some minor pitting in areas (shown in the catalogue illustration). There is a minor original flaw in the cast at the joint between the body and the left raised hind-paw (the leg may have been cast separately), but overall the paperweight is in quite good condition. The actual colour of the patina is consistent with the catalogue photo.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Sculpted in a powerful yet amusing fashion, the present figure of a lion is a fine example of objects made for the scholar’s studio during the Ming period. It is of substantial weight and its size is larger than what is expected from bronze paperweights of this sculptural form. The dark colouration of the gilding and extensive wear also suggest a Ming dynasty attribution. For the possible inspiration, see a larger gilt-bronze lion figure modelled in a very similar seated pose, with its left leg raised scratching its ear and wearing an expression of satisfaction, and with its mouth agape showing sharp teeth but with a much fuller curly mane, attributed to the Song dynasty, sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2002, lot 71.