Lying Chimera China. Western Jin period, 3rd-4th... Lot 36

Lying Chimera China. Western Jin period, 3rd-4th centuries Terracotta. 20 x 16 cm The animal is depicted with a powerful body wrapped around an orifice. Its head with its lower jaw resting on the ground has an open mouth revealing strong teeth. Important remains of coloured pigments. According to Chinese archaeologists, these would be supports used to hold screens, canopies or canopies. For two pieces of the same type offered by Robert Rousset to the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques - Guimet in 1978, inv. MA.4661 and 4662, cf: Jean-Paul Desroches - "Compagnons d'éternité" Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet / Réunion des Musées Nationaux / Grand Palais - Paris 1997, pp 99 to 101. A WESTERN JIN PERIOD POTTERY RECLINING CHIMAERA Provenance: - Estate of Madame Anne-Marie Rousset - Former Robert Rousset collection (1901-1981) - Carries three labels from old inventories of the Robert Rousset collection prior to 1935.