A rare Chinese bronze mythical animal 'Kaiming Shou' holding a lotus base, Ming

L.: 21 cm - H.: 14,5 cm

Weight: 2126 grams

In Chinese mythology, the Kaiming Shou (開明獸) was a beast that faced the east and guarded the nine gates to Mount Kunlun. It had the body of a tiger, and nine heads as can be seen in the current figure. While the bronze model of a lion is common during Ming dynasty, it is rare to see a bronze model of Kaiming Shou of this period.

Condition: (UV-checked)
- In quasi excellent condition, with a few chips to the lotus leaf, some tiny casting flaws throughout.

品相：（已用紫外线光检查）
- 荷叶上一些磕碰，狮子身上一些铸造失误。