AXE WITH LION, DRAGON, PHOENIX AND TAOTIE, LATE QING China, end of 19th, beginning 20th century. This curved, wide blade with straight sides and butt presents an interesting and rather unusual form. Both sides are decorated the same. On the butt, there sits a lion (shizi) with a spiral mane, while, on the sides, are a dragon and a curved-beaked phoenix, both with long tails ending in volutes. The relief on the blade features large, protective taotie masks, large eyed and with horns. They are surrounded by archaic "C's" with curled-in ends as well as rows of v-like shapes. Condition: On the whole well preserved with some age-related corrosion due to its underground storage as well as calcification. Provenance: From an important Austrian jade collection. Dimensions: Height 11.3 cm. Width to 6.8 cm.