A RARE AND MASSIVE BRONZE FIGURE OF A BUDDHIST LION, NGHE, LE DYNASTY, 16TH-17TH CENTURY

A RARE AND MASSIVE BRONZE FIGURE OF A BUDDHIST LION, NGHE, LE DYNASTY, 16TH-17TH CENTURY

Scientific Analysis Report: A report issued by CIRAM Science for Art Cultural Heritage on 1 September 2026, no. 0726-OA-1261J-3, examines two metal samples taken from the left hind paw and tail using optical and metallographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The sample from the paw exhibits deep, naturally occurring corrosion, extensive alteration of the lead globules, and numerous microcracks, with no evidence of artificial chemical treatment, providing significant evidence of the object's antiquity. The tail was found to be cast from a different copper-based alloy and bears superficial layers containing lithopone and synthetic ultramarine blue, indicating that it was restored and repatinated no earlier than the late 19th century. The report concludes that the alloy composition, degree of corrosion, origin of the weathering, and nature of the corrosion products are consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.

Expert's note:
The present bronze figure was originally part of a censer ensemble, paired with a companion piece. Its hollow body and the channel running through it suggest that smoke from incense would pass through the figure and escape through the mouth. A closely related pair,

now recognized as a National Treasure, in the An Bien Collection of Tran Dinh Thang (see literature comparison), is similarly described as an incense burner.

Vietnam. Boldly cast, the powerful animal is modeled seated on its hindlegs, the head raised, mouth slightly agape revealing a short tongue and sharp fangs framed by curled lips, the face rendered with piercing eyes above a wide snout, flanked by semi-circular ears and studded brows, and with a rope tied around the neck. Its body coated in raised curls running along the spine and terminating in an upturned fiery tail with open channel for evaporating smoke.

Provenance: A private collection in Paris, France.

Condition: Good condition with expected wear, corrosion, casting irregularities, obvious losses, few dents, cracks, and nicks, an old repair to the tail. The bronze with a rich, naturally grown patina with malachite and cuprite encrustations.

Weight: 3.4 kg
Dimensions: Height 39 cm

The animal with its raised decoration and thinness, not only reflects the artistic style of the era but also showcases the genius of the designer and the bronze craftsman, seemingly returning to the traditions of over 1,000 years ago, to the golden age of the Dong Son culture, with its dense patterns on bronze drums, and clear and concise patterns, expressed in circular bands. There, one can also see the return of the superb technique of Dong Son bronze casting, with the castings being incredibly thin, yet still impeccably precise, with very few technical errors left behind by the casting process.

Nghe is a mythical animal in Vietnamese culture, a combination of lion and dog, often used as a mascot in front of temples, pagodas, and shrines in Vietnam as it symbolizes protection, good fortune, and spiritual guidance. They share the same origin with Chinese guardian lions, and since lions are not indigenous to Vietnam or China, depictions of these beasts became more and more stylistic over times, incorporating features of local animals such as dogs.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related copper figure of a nghe, dated 17th century, in the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum. Compare a pair of two bronze incense burners with lion-form covers, dated 16th-17th century,

recognized as a National Treasure, in the private collection of Tran Dinh Thang, Hai Phong City. Compare a pair of bronze lion figures,

recognized as a National Treasure, 58.4 cm and 59 cm tall, in the Hanoi Museum.

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