19th century AD. A carved marble figurine of a hippopotamus-like mythical beast standing with head raised; the surface decorated with applied saddle and openwork tracery of silver-gilt tendrils surrounding panels bearing low-relief images of fenghuang mythical birds and a lion to each shoulder; gilt covers to the hooves. 1.9 kg, 23cm (9"). Property of a Suffolk gentleman; acquired at auction; accompanied by geological report No. TL005273 by geological consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10477-168683.