Chinese, possibly 7th century, lion form seated on a pierced base, large head with flaring nostrils, spiky mane with horns, molded breast plate and armor plates on shoulders, spiky elements on spine, 11-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 5 in., chips, surface accretions, restorations to mane, missing some elements; spirit animal seated with open mouth showing fangs, flaring nostrils, two pronounced horns, cloven hooves, spiky elements on spine, 15-1/2 x 9 x 7 in., chip to one fang, hairline on one leg, glaze loss, chip to spike on head, wear to glaze, restorations to surface

Note:  For similar examples from the Sui dynasty, please see examples from the Zheng Rentai tomb, where over 600 spirit animals were discovered.  A description of the contents of this tomb can be seen in Quest for Eternity, Chinese Ceramic Sculptures from the People's Republic of China catalogue, Los Angeles, 1987, p. 130.

Accompanying lot is a description of both pieces with photographs from a detailed estate listing of contents.