Bronze with lacquer gilding. China, late Qing dynasty, approx. 19th cent.
Very expressive imperious shizi, as they are seen at the stairs of Beijing€s imperial palace, and also inspired by them. The lion is sitting wide-legged with extended claws, one paw on the borcade ball. Around the chest, a decorative belt, holding the mask of a mythical animal and bells. Fierce expression on the head, horns for ears, a spiralling mane. A bow tied on the back, as if it were a well-behaved puppy, the tail with bushy-flaming tip. Good condition, complete, also the lacquer gilding for the most part.
HEIGHT 14,5 CM
From a German private collection