Page 160 - Christies Asia Week 2015 Chinese Works of Art

PROPERTY FROM THE JANE AND LEOPOLD SWERGOLD COLLECTION Supports in the form of crouching and recumbent animals were popular
2120 during the Tang and Song dynasties. Among the more commonly depicted
A VERY RARE MARBLE LION SUPPORT animals was the lion, which in the Tang dynasty became important
TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907) guardian fgures and symbols of imperial prestige and power. The Tang
emperors greatly expanded the borders of their realm, and through trade
The lion is shown in a recumbent pose with head raised and jaws and tributary alliances, their sphere of infuence was greater than any other
open, with large eyes glaring fercely straight ahead. The broad previous dynasty. Lions were said to have been among the gifts of tribute
back is carved with a thick, rectangular platform to serve as a base or to the Tang emperors, and their form was closely studied in both painting
support. and sculpture. The powerful, muscular body and the ferocious expression of
15º in. (38.7 cm.) wide the present fgure are hallmarks of Tang sculptural vitality and naturalism.
It is, however, very rare to fnd a lion support of such large size and carved
$30,000-50,000 from stone such as the present example. A similarly rendered lion can be
seen on a smaller scale serving as a the base for a Tang dynasty sancai-
PROVENANCE: glazed pottery armrest or stand sold at Christie’s New York, 21 March
2002, lot 118. Unlike the present fgure, the sancai-glazed lion is shown
Acquired in Hong Kong, 1994. with its head lowered and snarling.
J.J. Lally & Co., New York, November 2003.
唐 石雕瑞獅座

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