A CARVED LIMESTONE FIGURE OF A SEATED LION TANG DYNASTY |

seated on its haunches on an integral rectangular base with defined musculature and attenuated front legs, the head facing forward with large piercing eyes and wide open jaws bearing fangs, framed by a finely articulated mane cascading in thick curls down the nape, a cub by the left front paw, wood stand (2)

The Von Callenberg Collection.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 7th April 2014, lot 3630. 

Lions are traditionally regarded as symbols of power and the present figure is a particularly striking example, with its powerful posture and intricately carved details. The carver has conveyed the creature's strength through its defined musculature, but has also reflected its intelligence through the alert facial expression.  For a similar Tang dynasty sculpture of a lion, see the example from the Concordia House Collection, originally acquired from Sotheby Parke Bernet, 11th May 1978, lot 56, and sold in these rooms, 19th March 2007, lot 123. For a larger Northern Qi Dynasty example, see the lion sculpture from the collection of Sakamoto Gorō sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2013, lot 128.