Figure of Two Men and One Women with Four Foo Lions

Date1680-1720

MediumPocelain, hard-paste

DimensionsOH: 11 1/8" OW: 7 7/8" OL: 4 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-111

DescriptionCentral large Foo lion grimacing with elaborate hair consisting of hand-applied knots from which the rest of the mane flows. On four legs each with protective guards attached with decorative ties and trimmed in fringe. The lion wearing a saddle blanket. The tail ending in three dramatically curved leaves. One man stands before the central lion, wearing loose trousers, tunic, cravat, and hat, holding a Chinese "cash" or a coin. A man and a woman sitting on the lion. The man, in western-style breeches and waistcoat with unusual headpiece. The woman, in a loose-fitting robe. The rectilinear base with gouged pattern suggesting rocky terrain. One smaller lion standing at front of larger. The other two, climbing over each other at the rear legs of the lion. The firing holes realistically (anatomically-correctly) placed. The underside of the base reveals extensive evidence of hand-building and two cross supports. The thick, glassy greenish glaze pooling over the bright white body with significant firing cracks. The body with evidence of mold lines on the stomach and legs. The edges of the base with heavy, dark fritting.Inscription(s)noneMark(s)noneProvenanceJ. A. Lloyd Hyde, New York