A MASSIVE AND VERY LARGE 'BUDDHIST LION' BRONZE CENSER, 17TH-18TH CENTURY China. Naturalistically cast as a Buddhist lion with two cubs clambering on its back, seated, with a large bushy tail, finely incised mane, and tufts of curling hair, wearing a bell around the neck, the left paw resting on a reticulated brocade ball, the head raised and turned to the left, with large bulbous eyes, curly eyebrows, and the mouth open to reveal sharp teeth, fangs, and tongue.

Provenance: From a private estate in Central California, USA.
Condition: Very good condition commensurate with age showing natural old wear, typical casting irregularities, minor nicks and dents, some shallow surface scratches, several old metal fills, most of which are probably inherent to manufacturing. The tail with traces of old soldering. The hardwood stand with extensive wear, some losses, age cracks, and a fine golden-brown patina overall.

Weight: 15.1 kg (excl. base), 17.8 kg (incl. base)
Dimensions: Length 53.3 cm. Height 52.4 cm (including the base) and 32 cm (without base).

With a matching and finely carved hardwood stand dating to the Qing dynasty. (2)

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 14 September 2017, lot 722
Price: USD 43,750 or approx. EUR 49,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large bronze 'Buddhist lion' censer and cover, 17th-18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, elaborate incision work to tail, mane, and face, and related height (30.5 cm, lacking the stand).


十七至十八世紀大型太獅銅薰爐
中國。銅質精粹。薰爐整體鑄成“太獅”狀，雄獅四肢健碩矯健，側回首，雙目圓睜，開口露利齒，氣勢洶洶。腳踩繡球，鬃髯捲曲，盤旋如螺髻。雕刻入微，絲絲畢現。兩少獅踞坐於雄獅背上。獅子憨態可掬，造型動感十足，顧盼相望，妙趣橫生。

來源：美國加利福尼亞私人收藏。
品相：品相極好，與年齡相符，自然磨損、典型的鑄件不規則性、輕微的劃痕和凹痕，表面有一些淺劃痕、一些舊金屬填充物，其中大部分可能是製造過程中固有的。尾部有焊接痕跡。硬木支架大量磨損、一些缺損、老化裂縫，整體呈金棕色光澤。

重量：15.1 公斤 (不含底座), 17.8 公斤 (含底座)
尺寸：長 53.3 厘米。高52.4 厘米(含底座) 與32 厘米(不含底座).

清代相配硬木雕底座。(2)

拍賣結果比較：
形制：非常相近
拍賣：紐約佳士得，2017年9月14日，lot 722
價格：USD 43,750（相當於今日EUR 50,000）
描述：十七至十八世紀大型太獅銅蓋爐
專家評論：比較非常相近的外型、精細雕刻的尾巴、鬃毛和臉部，以及尺寸 (高30.5 厘米，無底座)。