Chinese Gilt Bronze Ritual Offering
Chimera
Mystic Lion
Ming, circa: 1368-1644AD
H 7 in.(18cm.), W 11 in.(28cm.), D 5 in.(12.5cm.)

Vigorously modeled with legs out stretching in archaic chimera pose. Its head with extended horns rearing upwards, the mystical beast is characterized with upright ears, open mouth, bulging eyes and protruding fangs, giving this chimera a ferocious demeanor well fit as a guardian beast. The initial appearance of chimera design can be traced back to Shang dynasty (1600-1027 B.C.), approximately a thousand years ahead of the mythical guardian lion design found in the Han (206 B.C.-220 A.D.). Here, similar to the guardian lion, the neck of this chimera is decorated with cowrie shell designs, with deeply casted mane along the upper arch of its back, reaching its long tail in a large swing curl behind its body. Its four feet are planted on the ground and talons are discernible. The body is incised overall with tiny designs. The bronze is of smooth patina and near black in color, with some malachite encrustation and traces of gilt remained in small patterns.

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Private Collection