Lot 99. A rare pair of marble seated lions, Tang dynasty (618-906); 20.1cm., 7 7/8 in. Estimate 40,000 - 60,000 GBP. Lot sold 50,000 GBP. © Sotheby's.

each powerfully carved figure seated on its haunches with its muscular front paws firmly planted on the rectangular base, the head facing forward with mouth open in a roar showing the teeth and up-curled tongue, the ears flattened back above the long, curling mane, the smooth stone with a warm ivory patina. 

Provenance: Acquired in Asia during the second half of the 19th century and thence by descent