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"
Classification/Category:
Furnishings
Specific Classification:
Statue
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings:
Donated by:
Unknown
Accession Number
1993.020.001
Artifact Date:
A.D. 1000 - 1499
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
Unknown
Creator:
Unknown
Creator Ancestry:
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.
Artifact Date:
A.D. 1000 - 1499