Lot 3630. A seated limestone lion, Tang dynasty (618-907); 12.2 cm., 4 3/4 in. Estimate 200,000 — 300,000 HKD. Lot sold 400,000 HKD. Photo Sotheby's

carved seated on its haunches on a rectangular plinth, his head facing forward with large piercing eyes and wide open jaws baring fangs, framed by a finely combed mane extending from the edge of the jawline and cascading in thick curls down the back of head and shoulders, the powerful beast with a lean body, its attenuated front right leg supporting its broad chest, the tail raised with the tip swished over to the right, its left front leg playfully patting the cub nuzzling its leg, wood stand.

Provenance: The Von Callenberg Collection.

Note: Stone sculptures of lions have traditionally been symbols of power and the present figure is a particular striking example, with powerful muscular posture and intricately combed details of the mane and body. The carver has skilfully fashioned the muscular body to reflect the animal's strength while its facial expression is that of an intelligent creature. For a similar Tang dynasty sculpture of a lion, see the example from the Concordia House collection, originally purchased at Sotheby Parke Bernet, 11th May 1978, lot 56, and sold at Sotheby's New York, 19th March 2007, lot 123. For a larger Northern Qi Dynasty example, see the 'Xiangtangshan' lion sculpture from the collection of Sakamoto Goro sold in these rooms, 8th October 2013, lot 128.

Sotheby's. Contemporary Literati — A Gathering, Hong Kong, 07 avr. 2014 - www.sothebys.com