A Gilt-Bronze ‘Buddhist Lion' Incense Burner and Cover Late Ming / Early Qing Dynasty

finely cast as an incense burner in the form of a Buddhist lion, its head removable to grant access to the interior, the mouth open and the mane pierced through to ventilate the interior, the breast of the beast scaled, the flanks with stylised flames, covered overall with heavy gilding

Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1978.

Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 232.

As visible in the catalogue photos, there is general oxidisation and minor surface wear and loss to gilding, but overall in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is a rare model for a 'Buddhist lion' incense burner, and is one of the smallest of the type known.  It is different in style from the standard model of a luduan mythical beast, which is often depicted standing on a snake, as in the Xuande example, offered in this collection as lot 233, depicted with a prominent curved horn at the forehead. Once the incense is lit, the smoke would emerge through the beast’s mouth, giving the impression of a living creature breathing smoke.  As Chuimei Ho and Bennet Bronson expound in their discussion of a pair of Qianlong cloisonné enamel examples from the Palace Museum, Beijing, Splendors of China’s Forbidden City.  The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong, London and New York, 2004, pl. 37, luduan incense burners were traditionally valued at the Imperial Court, as with their open mouths, and smoke billowing forth, they were a reminder to the Emperor that he should always be receptive to honest advice.