Song Dynasty or earlierDexterously carved as a stylised lion seated on its haunches scratching its ear, its head raised and facing forward with bulging eyes and open jaws baring fangs, rendered with a finely combed mane extending from the edge of the jawline and cascading in thick curls down the back of the head and shoulders, the powerful beast with a lean body, its attenuated front left leg supporting its broad chest, the bushy tail tucked and flicked under the body with the curly tip supporting its right front leg, the hind leg raised up to scratch the edge of its ear, the stone of even pale green tone with areas of russet inclusions, box. 5cm (2in) long (2).