Chinese Kangxi Porcelain Lion Pair

$630.51

An opposed pair of glazed ceramic figurines. Each depicts a crouching lion, with its head turned and mouth agape. The lions are glazed with sancai (which literally means “three glaze colours”), including brown, green, and cream-white colours.

Date: Late 17th century AD
Period: Kangxi Period, Qing Dynasty
Provenance: From the 'Blue Chrysanthemum Wreck'; lost in the South China sea, late 17th Century A.D., recovered 2014.
Condition: Fine condition. Some chipping and light abrasions, dulling of glazed surfaces due to seawater exposure.

In stock

SKU: AH-367 Category: Tags: ,

“Kangxi” refers to the Kangxi Emperor (r. 1662-1722): a great patron of the arts, who encouraged the mastery of techniques hitherto foreign to China, and established new workshops in the Forbidden City. Production of porcelain at Jingdezhen, in the Jiangxi Province, was also increased. Jingdezhen kilns had made porcelain since the Han Dynasty period (206 BC – 220 AD), but reached the height of their technical excellence in the early Qing Dynasty.

Chinese Guardian Lions are often found in pairs: this particular pair of small, pottery figurines has a counterpart in the large stone sculptures which have stood outside Imperial palaces, tombs, and temples since the Han Dynasty. Indeed, even today, it is common to see a Guardian Lion protecting either side of a Chinese restaurant or hotel entrance.

Weight 91.2 g
Dimensions W 2 x H 4.5 cm
Country

Culture

Region

Pottery and Porcelain

Glaze

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