Page 46 - Christie's Important Chinese Art Nov 3 2020 London

PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ENGLISH COLLECTION
■23
A MONUMENTAL PAIR OF MARBLE BUDDHIST LIONS
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
Each lion is carved seated on its haunches on a waisted lotus plinth with drapings, wearing a tasselled
collar carved in relief that is hung with a bell suspended above the chest. One beast has its right paw
resting on a cub, the other has its left paw resting on a ball. Both have bulging eyes and a fierce expression
with barred teeth. The tightly curled manes and draped stands are both finely detailed.
50 1/4 in. high, 26 1/4 in wide, 27 in. deep (127.5 cm. x 66.5 cm. x 68.5 cm.) (2)
£40,000-60,000 US$52,000-77,000
€44,000-66,000
PROVENANCE:
Collection of the distinguished British diplomat Sir Basil Cochrane Newton (1889-1965), acquired in Asia
from 1925-1929, then by descent within the family.
The Buddhist lion has long been recognised as a powerful symbol of strength and protection in Chinese
art. They are usually depicted in pairs, as in the current lot, with the male playing with a ball and the
female with a cub. Statues of these majestic beasts were often placed outside important buildings such
as residences of officials. Lions are not indigenous to China but their image was popularised with the
introduction of Buddhism. They are sometimes seen as a symbol of the Buddha, as well as the protector
of sacred buildings. The character for "lion" in Chinese, shi, is also a homophone for 'teacher or master'.
Marble lions such as the present pair, placed outside residences, were therefore auspicious symbols of
high social status and prosperity.

英國私人珍藏
明 大理石雕獅子一對
來源:
英國外交官Sir Basil Cochrane Newton (1889-1965年)舊藏, 於1925-1929年所購亞洲, 家傳至今

Sir Basil Cochrane Newton (1889-1965)
by Walter Stoneman, bromide print,
September 1945 copyright, National
Portrait Gallery, London

44 In addition to the hammer price, a Buyer’s Premium (plus VAT) is payable. Other taxes and/or an Artist Resale Royalty
fee are also payable if the lot has a tax or λ symbol. Check Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of this catalogue.