Object Details
Culture
China
Date
18th century
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
Height: 36 inches (91.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Kerstin T. Schurman, in memory of her husband, George M. Schurman, Class of 1913
Object
Number
73.061.001
Believed to have potent protective powers, pairs of lions traditionally stood guard at the entrances(…)
Believed to have potent protective powers, pairs of lions traditionally stood guard at the entrances to many Chinese buildings, including imperial palaces, temples, government offices, and the homes of officials and wealthy elites. Representing the forces of yin and yang, the pair (73.061.001-.002) consists of a female lion with her cub (yin) and a male lion (yang) with one paw on an embroidered ball that represents the world. Within the context of a Buddhist temple, the lions serve as guardians of the dharma, the teachings of the Buddha.
