White jade sculpture "Pair of lions", Qing Dynasty

A sculpture crafted from Hetian white jade, with a uniform white hue and smooth texture, masterfully carved to represent a pair of imperial lions, or shizi. The composition shows both animals lying down in a playful yet symbolically hierarchical posture: the male lion rests slightly on top of the lioness, reflecting familial protection. Both bodies are depicted as robust, with flowing manes and well-defined limbs. The facial features display benign expressions, with bulging eyes, broad snouts, and visible tongues. The carving includes meticulous detailing of the tails, claws, and muscle mass.

The sculpture rests on a carved wooden pedestal, designed with intertwined curly cloud motifs, among which bats emerge carved in relief. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) or later.

Size: 8.5 × 10 × 11.5 cm

Jade weight: 650 g