Apart from his figurative or landscape works, Indonesian-Chinese artist Lee Man Fong is also renowned for his animal works, which combine a philosophical understanding of Chinese symbolism and calligraphy with a Western realist oil technique. Usually composed upon masonite board in elongated vertical or horizontal formats, reminiscent of Chinese hand-scrolls, the animal works are presented in groupings of auspicious numbers, most frequently in pairs. The animals are either selected for their representative meanings; such as doves for peace, horses for strength and vitality; or according to Lee's individual preferences. An avid animal-lover, Lee kept flocks of doves, roosters and cockatoos, as well as dogs and a large pond of goldfish in his own garden, often painting them from life. This enabled him to capture their natural traits, distinct colorings and even from time to time, individual expressions. Augmenting this is the artist's own swift and certain brushwork, rendering the outlines of the animals in determined strokes before filling in the precise shading with great detail and textural quality.

A fine example of Lee's mastery in capturing energy and a sense of movement can be seen in Two Goats (Lot 167), depicting two mountain goats amidst a rocky landscape. Exceedingly life-like, the goats are shown as sturdy, vigorous, and indomitable; displaying an unquenchable spirit and zest for life. They also specifically represent the eighth lunar cycle, the year of the goat.

A Pair of Goldfish (Lot 168) depicts one of the artist's favourite subjects, brilliantly colored fan-tailed goldfish swimming in clear waters. The goldfish, a smaller, refined version of the traditional carp, is an extremely auspicious symbol of wealth and good fortune. Seen as a pair, it also suggests a happy union and a life of swimming calmly together side by side.