early 20th century, two reclining chimeras with their heads forward, their mouths in a grimace, curled nostrils, their manes fall in a strip behind their heads and their spines are marked by a series of raised bumps down the back, grove marks run the surface of the chimeras, seated on a rectangular base.
7 x 15.5 x 9.75 in.
The chimera is a mythical protective guardian believed to have the ability to frighten away evil spirits. Beginning in the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) these stone animals were used to mark the pathways and gates to the burial grounds of Chinese emperors and nobility.
From a Long Island, NY Estate
Additional high-resolution photos are available at LelandLittle.com

One base has three curved areas of loss on back side; possibly loss to lower back of one; dirt and wear from being kept outdoors.