明 大理石臥獅一對

each recumbent animal carved in mirror image and poised on its front legs, its head facing to the side and with a sash in its mouth, one with one cub perched on its back and another under its front left paw, on a rectangular base, the sides carved in relief with scrolling clouds

（傳）澳門私人收藏，十九世紀

The pair of lions are in good overall condition with the exception of the following nibbles and chips and light overall hairline crazing to the stone; the lion on the right (as illustrated) has small chips and nibbles to the top of the nose, brows of the eyes and tips of the ears, a 8x7cm., chip to the front right lower corner of the base; the lion on the left has a 3x2cm., chip to the front left top corner of the base and a 15cm., crescent-shaped chip to the lower front edge of the base and nibbles to the tips of the ears.
"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."

本品雕工出眾，臥獅造型壯碩雄健，肌紋鬃毛起伏有致。傳統以來，石獅屬權力象徵，此類石雕多置於門前入口，鎮守平安。大型動物石雕傳統源於漢代，於王族權貴陵宮前神道沿途置石像生，獅像代表平安及力量，頸掛項圈表示忠誠，置石獅於陵前神道，象徵國家權力。此傳統由漢代沿用至清末，近江蘇南京之洪武帝墓、廣西桂林之靖江王朱經扶陵（卒於1523年）墓，河南新鄉潞簡王墓（1614卒）等，圖載於Ann Paludan，《The Chinese Spirit Road》，紐黑文，1991年，圖版 234、241 及 244。

本品造型生動，幼獅攀爬母背，意趣盎然，如此靈動之石獅造型，甚為罕見，疑為孤例，可比較一對臥獅，售於紐約佳士得2002年9月20日，編號 195。