A Large Pair of Buddhist Lions, Kangxi Period

A female with clambering pup at her feet and a male with loose, pierced brocade ball, modeled in mirror image with open jaws revealing teeth, fangs and tongue left in the biscuit, their loose eyes picked out in black and their coats glazed turquoise with purple manes, curls and tails, seated on purple plinth bases, at the back of the male's base a cyclical date wu chen, probably for 1668, and a three-character potter's mark are inscribed. 14 7/8 in. (37.8 cm.) high (2) - Estimate $30,000 - $50,000

Christie's. Chinese Export Porcelain. 21 January 2009. New York, Rockefeller Plaza. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2009 . www.christies.com