Three pairs of buddhist lions, Kangxi period @ Christie's New York
A large pair of turquoise and aubergine buddhist lions. Kangxi period. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010
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, 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) - Est. $20,000 - $30,000
A pair of biscuit-glazed buddhist lions. Kangxi period. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010
The curly haired beasts in mirror image, she with a pup clambering at her feet, he with a pierced ball, on plinths enameled with prunus on 'cracked ice' and trellis grounds, the reverse with precious objects, on later rocaille ormolu bases. 16 3/8 in. (41.6 cm.) high, the female (2) - Est. $10,000 - $15,000
A pair of biscuit-glazed buddhist lion joss stick holders. Kangxi period. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010
Modeled in mirror image, their jaws open and their black eyes bulging, applied with tight curls, she with a pup clambering at her feet, he with a brocade ball, on pierced bases. 8 in. (20.3 cm.) high (2) - Est. $2,000 - $3,000
Christie's. Important American Furniture, Folk Art, Silver & Chinese Export. 21 - 25 January 2010. New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com