A pair of unglazed pottery earth spirits Northern Wei Dynasty

each mythical beast seated on a rectangular base with leonine head, taloned feet and flame-like projections rising from the back

Collezione di Antica Arte Cinese, Brera Galleria D’Arte, Milan, 1963

One with both front legs, ears, one tooth, the tail and the projection on the spine broken and restuck. The horn is chipped and lost. The beast had been broken into two parts with a diagonal crack running across the base and extending to the rear haunches of the beast. The other with similar breaks to the tail, legs, ears, head, projection on the spine and smaller breaks on the base which have now been repaired. Both figures with general paint loss and chips/rubbing to the extremities.
"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."