Object Details
Catalogue Note
Height: 40 cm each
Width: approx. 37 cm
Weight: approx. 7 kg each / 14 kg total
Material: Gilt bronze
Origin: China
Dating: Attributed to circa 1880–1910
A matched male-and-female pair of Chinese guardian lions, often called Foo Dogs in the Western art trade. One is associated with the brocade ball and the other with a cub, forming the traditional protective pairing used at entrances and sacred or elite spaces.
The heavy bronzes retain aged gilding, dark patina and visible casting texture. Mineral deposits and oxidation demonstrate an old surface history but are not used as stand-alone proof of the proposed late Qing dating.
Condition
Antique condition with gilding wear, patina, oxidation and age-related surface variation.
Iconography and Context
Guardian figures were traditionally placed at thresholds and sacred spaces. Their paired or protective format combines ritual meaning with the strong symmetry expected of architectural sculpture.
Condition and Display
Surviving gilding, darker recessed areas and wear on raised details create a layered surface. The 9 photographs document the remaining finish, patina, casting and base from multiple viewpoints.
Collector’s Note
A antique pair of chinese guardian lions – gilt bronze, ca. 1880–1910, 40 with balanced display presence, combining its china gilt bronze character with clearly readable sculptural detail.
