Lot 254. A pair of blue and sancai-glazed pottery figures of earth spirits, Tang dynasty (618-907); 17 7/8 and 19½ in. (45.5 and 49.5 cm.) high. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price realised USD 7,800. © Christie's Images Ltd 2007

Each winged creature shown seated with front hoofs firmly planted on a pierced rockwork base, one with leonine face flanked by a flared ruff and a pair of tall horns flanking a flame-form crest rising from the back of the head, the other with unglazed humanoid face and large ears below a tall twist of hair rising to a smiliar crest, all in splashed blue, amber, cream and green glaze.

Provenance: Nagatani, Chicago, 18 August 1958.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Mayer, Winnetka, Illinois.
The Robert B. Mayer Family Collection, Chicago.

Exhibited: Phoenix Art Museum: The Robert B. Mayer Memorial Loan Collection, 1991 - 2005. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 22 March 2007