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THBChinese Tang Dynasty Black Granite Foo Lions (pr)
Lot 137
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$6,000 - $8,000
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| $300 | $50 |
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| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Mar 9, 2023
Set Reminder
2023-03-09 10:00:00
2023-03-09 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-ancient-ethnographic-fine-art-12354
Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (413)
- Lot Description
**Originally Listed At $4500**
East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A wonderful pair of Buddhist foo lions or foo dogs (also "fu" lion or "fu" dog) carved from granite, each one sitting upon an integral plinth, these stylized lion guardians traditionally protected the entrances to sacred buildings or homes against evil spirits or people. Both foo lions rest upon their haunches with an alert and lively expressions on their turned heads, the visages comprised of bulging eyes and open mouths that reveal a curved fang at each corner. Their bodies are meticulously rendered with a curly mane and a finely incised coat with collars around their necks. The cost to carve these from a hard stone such as this granite would have been considerable, and these were likely owned or commissioned by a wealthy family. Size: 11" L x 9" W x 17" H (27.9 cm x 22.9 cm x 43.2 cm)
The "foo dog" is a western name for the Chinese "shi shi", the guardian lions that protected sacred buildings against evil. Lions were brought to ancient Chinese courts as early as the Han dynasty, but most artists relied on second-hand sources for descriptions, resulting in very stylized figures, often mistaken as dogs by western viewers. The celestial lion was regarded as a powerful animal with mythical qualities relating to Buddhism and royalty. Often portrayed in a pair with a male and female creature to represent the balance between Yin and Yang.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960-2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#173462No repairs or restoration. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and exposure to elements. Chips and nicks to high pointed areas and light surface weathering. Overall excellent condition with beautiful white veining in the stone.Condition
- Shipping Info
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