A fine yellow hardstone carving of a lion and cub. Qianlong

Carved with a recumbent lion playfully engaged with a cub, the details well carved conveying the bulging eyes and pronounced nose, the thick tail with finely incised lines, the stone of honey-amber tone. 5.8cm (2¼in) wide. Sold for £13,200

Provenance: R.H.R.Palmer, collection label no.128.
Palmer Inventory no.128, where it is stated that the 'lion of Buddha' and cub carving was purchased in July 1936 for £50 and was reputedly obtained in 1860 from the Yuan Ming Yuan Imperial palace
By descent to the present owner

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com