Guardian Lion, one of a pair, 8th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Limestone conglomerate (puddingstone)expand_more
The Ruth Ann Dayton Chinese Room Endowment Fundexpand_more 2008.23.1
On View in Gallery 208expand_more
The lion is not indigenous to China, but with the importation of Buddhism from India along the "silk road", Chinese artisans adopted the Indian practice of using the lion to symbolize the Buddha Sakyamuni. In addition, the inherent power and strength of the lion led to its being featured as a symbolic protector of the Buddhist sacred law and pairs of guardian lions were used to flank entrances to cave temples, Buddhist altars, and thrones as well as tomb doorways.
In pre-Tang China, most sculpted lions were highly stylized, static, housecat-like characterizations of the "king of beasts." Court records show however that in 635 the Chinese emperor was presented a real lion as a tribute gift from Samarkand. Direct observation of an actual lion by artists dramatically changed their sculptural presentations to the more realistic, animated, and powerful creatures depicted in this expressive pair of "puddingstone" lions dating from the high Tang period (8th century).
Details
- Title
- Guardian Lion, one of a pair
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2008.23.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.