Lot 74
East Asia China / Japan, ca. mid-20th century CE. A pair of miniature fu lions carved from fossilized mammoth ivory on a wooden pedestal. The "foo dog" or "fu lion" is a western name for the Chinese "shi shi", the guardian lions that protected sacred buildings against evil. Symbolically, the male fu lion protects the outside, and the female protects the inside of the dwelling. When portrayed together the male usually plays with a ball and the female plays with a cub - as shown here. These celestial lions were regarded as powerful animals with mythical qualities related to Buddhism and royalty. Size: 3.75" L x 2" W x 2" H (9.5 cm x 5.1 cm x 5.1 cm); 2.75" H (7 cm) on included custom stand.
Schreger lines are intersecting patterns visible in cross-sections of ivory, formed by structural growth patterns unique to proboscideans. In elephant ivory, the Schreger lines intersect at angles greater than 90 degrees, while in mammoth ivory, the angles are less than 90 degrees - as seen in this piece. These patterns are a key diagnostic tool in distinguishing between elephant and mammoth ivory.
This item is made of or contains ivory and is classified under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) as an antique exempt piece. Due to federal and state regulations regarding the sale of ivory, this item cannot be shipped internationally or to individuals residing in the following U.S. states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Additionally, buyers are responsible for ensuring that their purchase complies with all local laws and regulations concerning ivory. We guarantee that this piece meets the criteria for an ESA antique exemption under U.S. Federal law. However, we advise buyers to consult with their local authorities to confirm their ability to legally acquire, possess, trade, or sell this item in your state of residence.
Provenance: private Bonney Lake, Wisconsin, USA collection; ex-Jeffrey Pack collection, Wilkerson, Washington, USA, acquired from the 1950s - 2016
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#190784
-
Condition:
- Intact and great condition. Mounted to the wooden base with wax and are removable.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |