A fine and rare pair of Chinese gilt bronze Buddhist lions

A fine and rare pair of Chinese gilt bronze Buddhist lions, the mythical beasts standing four square, each with a tightly curled mane and bushy eyebrows, the prominent back bones with well cast coats falling to either side and with extravagant flowing tails, their mouths agape baring their teeth and protruding tongues, both richly gilded with original pigment remaining, Qianlong, 18th century, 23.5cm. (2) Cf: Christie's Hong Kong, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 28th November 2006, lot 1664 for a similar but seated pair.