^Lot 100 A Chinese Han Dynasty Mythical Beast

From ancient China, Han Dynasty, 206 BC to 220 AD. Grey earthenware beast, solidly molded, rendered squatting on haunches; with broad, rounded back; thick neck supporting feline head with bulging eyes; fierce open mouth baring teeth and tongue. The musculature of beast's fore and hind legs is distinctly molded and grants each beast a charming life-like quality, an aspect which is characteristic of Han art work and differentiates it from earlier Chinese works. 9"H x 12"L, excellent condition, save minor surface incrustation and repairs.

Provenance: Ex-private UK collection.