A PAIR OF LARGE BRONZE LIONS, MINGChina, 17th century. This impressive and rare pair of Buddhist lions is massively cast of heavy bronze, with finely incised and punched detail work. Good natural patina. Provenance: American private collection, by repute acquired from a mid-20th century museum-deaccession. With old inventory numbers ‘BS 1109’ and ‘BS1110’ painted to their bottoms.Condition: Superb condition with old wear, some minor casting flaws and nicks here and there. The attachment of the tail to the body of one may have been reinforced long time ago.Weight: 21.2 kilograms both together.Dimensions: Length 42 cm, height 32 cm.The lions are seated, their raised head with large round eyes beneath thick curled eyebrows, the mouth opened revealing sharp fangs, each grasping a reticulated brocade ball under its front paw, the bodies detailed with a combed mane and upright bushy tail.一對明代大型銅獅中國, 十七世紀。這對佛獅極少見卻令人印象深刻,青銅鑄造厚重,綫條優美,細節入微。天然包漿良好。 來源:美國私人收藏,據説購於二十世紀中期博物館館藏出售。底部可見館藏編號"BS 1109"與"BS1110"。 品相:極好,舊磨損,一些輕微鑄造缺陷。一隻尾巴可能很久前被加固過。重量:兩件一起21.2 公斤 尺寸:長42 厘米,高 32 厘米