
Artifact Date:
A.D. 1000 - 1499
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Creator:
Unknown
Creator Ancestory:
Unknown
Department:
The Museum Proper
Replica or Original:
Replica
On Display, In Storage, or in a Private Offsite Collection:
On Display
Primary Material:
Stone
Medium:
Statue
Dimensions:
43" x 24" x 17"
Listen
Stone lion statues.
石獅像
Classification/Category:
Furnishings
Specific Classification:
Statue
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings:
Donated by:
Unknown
Accession Number
1993.020.001
Catalogue Entry
Chinese Guardian Lions, occasionally referred to as "Foo Dogs" in the Western world, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. In contrast to European depictions of lions, Guardian Lions are shown with bulging eyes, curled fur and a fearsome snarl to ward off evil or unwelcome spirits. These lion statues come in pairs, one male and one female, to represent balance and harmony.
Despite being an iconic piece of Chinese architecture, Guardian Lions have original ties to Persia. These fearsome statues were presented as gifts to the Han court by Persian diplomats and rose to become a symbol of the rich and powerful by the 6th Century CE. The image of a lion resonated well in China due to the associated imagery in Buddhism, where it is seen as a protector of spiritual teaching.
石獅子,在西方有時被稱之為「福狗」,是中國傳統的建築裝飾品。 與歐洲對獅子的描繪不同,石獅子的眼睛凸出,毛皮捲曲,可怕的咆哮是為了抵禦邪惡或不受歡迎的靈魂。 這些石獅子雕像必是成對出現,一雄一雌,代表平衡與和諧。
儘管石獅子為中國的標誌性建築,但石獅子的來源卻要追溯自波斯。 原來,這些可怕的雕像被波斯外交官作為禮物贈送給漢朝宮廷,於公元 6 世紀更成為了富人和強權的象徵。 由於相關佛教圖像中的獅子被視為精神教義的保護者,獅子在中國有著守護萬家燈火的形象。
Online References:
Nazmiyal Antique Rugs. (2020, August 7). Foo Dog | Chinese Guardian Lions | History Of Chinese Fu Dog. https://nazmiyalantiquerugs.com/area-rug-guide/motifs-symbols/foo-dog/
Pang, K. (2021, August 4). China’s Stone Lions — Photos and Background Information. China Highlights - Since 1998! https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-stone-lions.htm

Artifact Date:
A.D. 1000 - 1499