A Group of Four Sancai Glazed Buddhist Foo Lions

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), Kangxi period (1662-1722), biscuit porcelain with sancai glaze of aubergine, green and straw yellow, the larger pair raised on reticulated pedestals each have a holder for either a joss stick or candle, the smaller lions are in profile and each have the characteristic attribute of a ball for the male and a cub for the female.

Larger pair 8 in., Smaller pair 4 in.

From the Collection of Thomas English Cody (1889-1948), the great nephew of Buffalo Bill Cody, and by family descent

One of the smaller lions with loss to one eye; some nicks with loss to edges; One larger foo lion with repair and restoration to base and stand under front paw; the other foo lion with repair to one eye; both larger foo lions with some nicks with loss to edges.