A RARE 'CIZHOU'-TYPE WHITE-GLAZED 'LION' PILLOW NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY |

well modeled in a recumbent pose, the head with furrowed brows and protruding eyes accentuated with dark-brown slip, resting alertly on the extended front paws, the flowing mane swept back to either side and the long tail curling to one side along the back haunches, the slightly concave top elegantly incised with foliate scrollwork, the creamy-white slip covered with a transparent glaze, the base unglazed

Collection of Kate Sturges Buckingham (1858-1937).
Gifted to the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, in memory of her sister Lucy Maud Buckingham (1870-1920) in 1924 (acc. no. 1924.304).

There is a diagonal crack across the base, several small firing tears, and wear to the surface overall and some accretions along edges and recesses and minor imperfections consistent with age and type. There are two small apertures on the base.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A closely related example to the present lion-form pillow is in the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo and illustrated in Charm of Black & White Ware: Transition of Cizhou-Type Wares, Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, Osaka, 2002, pl. 2-9.