A PAIR OF LARGE DEHUA BLANC-DE-CHINE FIGURES OF BUDDHIST LIONS BY XU YUNLIN LATE QING DYNASTY

each superbly modelled seated in opposing poses with their large heads turned at different angles, the male looking to its left with fierce stare, its left foreleg raised upon a 'brocade' ball, the female lion looking slightly up to her right, her snarling mouth open to grasp the paw of one lion cub clambering up her shoulder, a second lion cub struggling to escape beneath, both impressed on their back with a Xu Yunlin zhi seal mark

Both figures are generally in good condition with a few occasional minor nicks or original firing flaws consistent with the type. The female lion: The tip-end section of the tuft of hair extending from the rear of her left shoulder is chipped. There is a small nick to the tip-end of the ear of the smaller cub she tramples on. There is a small firing crack below her left shoulder that been secured with some fill in and other small flaws or expected typical firing imperfections, but overall the figure is in good condition. The male lion: There is a minute chip to the tip end of one of the small curling tuft of hair extending on his left haunch. There is a firing crack extending across the rear of the two front limbs, and a few other small flaws or original firing imperfections, but overall the figure is 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."

The square seal Xu Yunlin zhi stamped on to the back of each lion belongs to Xu Youyi (1887-1940), the principal follower, pupil and associate of the master Dehua potter Su Xuejin (1869-1919). According to John Ayers in the catalogue to the exhibition Blanc de Chine. Divine Images in Porcelain, China Institute Gallery, New York, 2002, p. 121, Xu Youyi, previously considered to be an eighteenth century potter, came from a family of carvers of wood and clay images. His pieces are characterised by elaborate details and a consistent milky-white glaze. A similar pair of blanc-de-Chine Buddhist lions, was sold in our New York rooms, 19th/ 20th March 2007, lot 771. Other works by Xu Youyi include a figure of a standing Buddha from the Richard Lehman Gray collection, included in the exhibition Blanc de Chine, op. cit., cat. no. 72, together with two Heavenly Kings (tianwang), cat. no. 73. See also two large figures of Samantabhadra and Manjusri, from the collection of E.E. and M.C. Schwarz, sold in these rooms, 13th April 2013, lot 3196; and a figure of a standing Buddha, signed Xu Yuyuan zhi ('Made by Xu Yuyuan') and Xu Yunlin zhi ('Made by Xu Yunlin'), sold in these rooms, 9th October 2012, lot 3107.