19th century AD. A carved marble figurine of a hippopotam-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. Apanied 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 apanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10477-168683.