A LARGE BRONZE BUDDHIST LION MING DYNASTY |

well cast standing on its hind legs and pouncing on a 'brocade' ball with its forelegs while twisting to the left from the chest, the head cocked with an open-mouthed grimace exposing the fangs and tongue, the lively expression accentuated by raised ears, bulging eyes, and great curls of fur at the brows and chin, the bushy flame-shaped tail extending the movement in its upward sweep, tufts of coiled fur emerging from the muscular body at the mane and legs, the ball with a central band of floral scroll and radiating sections of alternating clouds and mythical beasts (2)

Collection of Larz Anderson (1966-1937), an American diplomat serving in Europe and Japan, and his wife Isabel Weld Perkins (1876-1948), an author and Boston socialite.
Collection of Elizabeth Burr (d. circa 1970), Boston, Massachusetts.
Collection of Charles Frederick (d. 2003), Boston, Massachusetts, and thence by descent.

The sculpture is in generally stable condition, however there are cracks and sizable holes to the brocade ball, particularly at the poles (as partly illustrated), from casting and age. The Buddhist lion has expected signs of wear and aging (including mottled patina (as illustrated), occasional cracks, corrosion and consequent loosening to the sockets affixing the claw units which are now detached, and replaced bolts), and minor manufacturing flaws (including scattered minor holes and seams from assembly). One claw unit with a central break.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Particularly rare for its monumental size, the present piece skilfully captures the strength and vitality of Buddhist lions. Related figures of a Buddhist lion and ball are well known but in much smaller proportions; a gilt-bronze figure, dated to 1587, with only its left paw resting upon a reticulated ball, was sold in these rooms, 23rd October 1979, lot 104; and a much smaller version, also cast with both paws on the ball, was sold in our London rooms, 7th March 1980, lot 30, and again, 1st November 1985, lot 423.

Although the lion may have been introduced from India to China with the spread of Buddhism from as early as the 1st century A.D., the motif of a lion with a ball appears to have originated during the Southern Song (1127-1279) and Jin (1115-1234) periods. The brocade ball signifies that this is a male lion and together this motif symbolises the wish for success in achieving high rank and longevity. Such figures were often produced in pairs, with a lioness resting her paw on a cub, to ward off negative energy.