A very fine pair of seated gilt-bronze lions

Description:

China, 18th cent.
H. 16.5/ 17 cm
With detailed tail, manes and tasselled rump. Seated on its hindquarters with forelegs firmly placed in front, with a ferocious expression detailed with bulging eyes, the jaw opened to reveal its tongue and fangs. Weight 3.34 and 2.996 kg.
European private collection, family-owned before 1970, originally collected in the second half of the 19th century in the diplomatic service in China - Minimal wear to the gilding, very minor traces of age