A JADE CARVING OF A BUDDHIST LION, QIANLONG China, 1735-1796. Lying recumbent with many finely incised details such as the knobbed spine, curled eyebrows and beard, bulging eyes, ruyi-shaped nose, openwork mouth with fangs, floppy ears. The stone of an even, very pale celadon tone with scattered russet veins. Provenance: From the estate of an English collector. Condition: Excellent condition with old wear and minor natural fissures in the stone. Weight: 444.9 g Dimensions: Length 10 cm Note the one hindleg tucked beneath its body and the other hidden behind its finely incised bushy tail, the head resting on its front paws. The appearance of the lion has a long history in China which stemmed as protective statuary for building of importance such as palaces, temples and tombs. In Buddhism, it symbolizes regal attributes and power, and hence images of lions are often seen supporting the Buddha's throne. The Buddha's teachings can also be referred to as the "Lion's Roar", representing the supremacy of his teachings over others. With the Qingdynasty Imperial patronage of Tibetan Buddhism, it is no wonder why carvings of Buddhist lions would have such significance to the rulers. Auction result comparison: Compare with a closely related Buddhist Lion carving at Christies London in Inspired Themes: A Fine Selection of Chinese Works of Art, 10 May 2016, lot 55, sold for GBP £43,750 (note that this carving is erroneously described as 'white' jade, but in fact is also of pale-celadon color) and another at Sotheby's Paris, in Art d'Asie, Ancienne Collection Particuliere Française, lot 164. 玉雕佛獅，乾隆 中國，1735-1796。精雕細琢，棘突的脊椎，捲曲的眉毛和鬍鬚，凸起的眼睛，如意形鼻子，帶獠牙的大嘴，鬆軟的耳朵。 淡淡的青色調的玉石，零散的赤褐色沁斑。 來源：英國收藏家遺產 品相：品相極好，老磨損，玉石中輕微天然裂紋 重量：444.9 克 尺寸：長10 厘米 拍賣結果比較：一件相似的佛獅玉雕于2016年5月10日倫敦佳士得《中國工藝品》拍號55，成交價GBP £43,750 和另一件于巴黎蘇富比2019年12月10日《亞洲藝術》拍號164。