Lot 8031. A Gilt Bronze Figure Of A Guardian Lion, Northern Qi-Sui Dynasty (550-618); 4in (10.3cm) high. Estimate US$ 12,000 - 18,000 (€ 9,700 - 15,000) © Bonhams 2001-2018

Seated on its haunches with front legs firmly braced, the well-delineated head with bulging eyes and exposed fangs, supported by a powerful body, the fur of the broad mane, forelegs and tail finely cast, the overall gilded surface gilded with a vivid green encrusted patina. 

Property from the Collection of Sally S. and Decatur H. Miller III

Provenance: J.J Lally & Co., New York, February 2008

Exhibited: J.J Lally & Co., New York,Two Thousand Years of Chinese Sculpture, Spring 2008, no. 9

Note: It is likely this noble lion would have originally been part of a Buddhist votive group, and the presence of lions can be traced back to the Buddhist art of India, where depictions of the seated Buddha are flanked by lions, both as protection and as a statement of his majesty. A similar sized lion--also seated--and dating from the Six Dynasties (220-589), is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, 42.25.32.

Seated Lion from an Altarpiece, Six Dynasties (220–589), 6th century. Bronze with traces of gilding. H. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); W. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm). Gift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, 1942; 42.25.32 © 2000–2018 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Bonhams. CHINESE WORKS OF ART AND PAINTINGS, 19 Mar 2018, 12:00 EDT, NEW YORK