AN IVORY MYTHOLOGICAL ANIMAL Burma, early 20th century Wooden base. 16 x 11 x 6,5 cm Provenance: Italian private collection. The animal depicted in this sculpture - similar in shape to a lion - is a chinthe, a mythological creature connected with Buddhism. Statues depicting him are placed at the entrance of the temples for their protection. Over time it has become something of a symbol of Burma. A sculpture similar to this but less refined is in the Northern Illinois University Center for Burma Studies (inv. BC91.01.06). * The present lot is offered with a Certificate of Antiquity by Antichità Ce.S.Ar. (pre-1947). Notes:This lot contains ivory/coral/ tortoiseshell or other species protected by CITES regulation (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Due to recent changes in the laws of many countries (e.g. USA or China) - about endangered species including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell - BFA recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid.For further information contact the Management of Bertolami Fine Art before the sale.THE CITES ARTICLE 8 (3b) DEROGATIONThe article 8 (3b) derogation - Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97, the so-called "antique derogation", and the article 62 – Council Regulation (EC) No 865/2006, allow to sell this kind of item (defined as pre-1947) within the European Union. Current legislation states that if an item has been manufactured prior to June 1947 and has been significantly altered from its natural raw state for jewellery, adornment, art, utility or musical instrument before that date, a CITES certificate is not required (therefore only for material that has been "worked" before 1947, and has been transformed from its natural state by human craft).