White jade "Lion" figure, Qing dynasty, Qianlong

A Hetian white jade figure, with reddish-golden flecks, carved in the shape of a 'Chinese lion'. This type of natural-coloured white jade is combined with the golden hue and is immersed in the texture. The outside colour of the skin is due to a concentration of iron oxide and is distributed in dots or flakes in the pores of the surface. 

The figure of the animal is very well represented, lying on its outstretched legs with its head tilted to the left. The face is composed of bulging eyes above flaring nostrils and a broad, upturned muzzle with teeth showing. The ears are drooping and highlighted with a scroll motif. The back is rough, like scales, and ends in a bushy tail swept to the side. 

Fu lions (獅), often made of stone, are now a decorative object, but they were made as a protection against possible evil at the entrances of buildings guarding something. The material is not limited to stone, and they are also made of other materials such as jade. They usually have a menacing expression, bulging round eyes, large ears and a curly tail.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

Size: 4.8 x 6.2 x 10 cm; Weight: 402 g