Fine Antique Chinese Bronze Pixiu Wealth Dragon Mythical Beast Figure Statue - a Pair

Description

A stunning pair of excellent quality bronze Pixiu wealth dragon mythical creatures with visually striking scattered verdigris bluish green patina! … more A stunning pair of excellent quality bronze Pixiu wealth dragon mythical creatures with visually striking scattered verdigris bluish green patina!

Well known in Chinese culture and feng shui to attract wealth and prosperity, the Pixiu is similarly styled to the Qilin or more common foo dog guardian lion, but with added benefits such as feathered wings, horns or antlers, muscular strength, and a long tail. High quality bronzework, finely detailed throughout, the exceptionally executed figural rendering modeled standing on all fours and at attention, with one front paw set out in front of the animal's winged body, head tilted up, mouth ajar, teeth exposed. China, early 20th century.

HISTORY:
The Pixiu (Pi Yao) is a traditional Chinese mythical creature often used in feng shui practices to attract wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, it has been long regarded as an influential and auspicious creature that possesses mystical powers capable of drawing cai qi (財氣 wealth) from all directions.

An important mythical figure in Chinese culture for thousands of years, documented back to at least the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). Known as the earth, sea and air variation of the Qilin and Stone Lion, having a pair of feathered wings that allows it to fly between Heaven and Earth.

Said to have a voracious appetite exclusively for gold, silver, and jewels, the beast is always craving the smell of these riches, and likes to bring its master money, frequently bringing it to them in its mouth.

Additionally, considered a guardian and protector, Pixiu have been used as ancient tomb figures, architectural Pixiu carvings have adorned the roof of temples and homes for many centuries, through today where statues of this creature are often displayed inside the home and business to attract wealth in feng shui.

PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
Acquired from the reputable auction house, Dallas Auction Gallery, Dallas Design District, Texas. 2024 Asian Fine Art & Antiques Auction catalog.

Owned and curated by Reyne Hirsch, a known media personality and expert in 20th century decorative arts. She was a top appraiser on the PBS TV series Antiques Roadshow for 13 years, as well as a leading contributer to the Huffington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, amongst other major publications. She's also founded highly regarded art galleries and exhibits throughout the United States.

DIMENSIONS: (approx)
Each: 13" Wide, 8.5" High, 6" Deep

CONDITION:
Excellent original antique / vintage condition. High quality. Attractive appearance, beautifully aged warm patinated bronze, with age appropriate accretions, oxidation, and highly desirable scattered verdigris, one example with more than the other. Overall superb examples less