Title
Seated lion
Year/Period
Tang Dynasty (618-907)
Region
Possibly Xi'an, China
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 20.5 x 14.0 x 9.5 cm
Accession No.
2015-00452
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Edmond Chin
The handsome beast is seated on its rear haunches atop a rectangular pedestal, its jaws open and its teeth and tongue exposed. The large bulging eyes are framed by the curly mane. Its extended breast and taut muscles enhance the sense of strength and power. It steps on a hound-like beast, suggesting that the lion serves as a spirit guardian. This seated lion was carved in high quality marble. Similar imagery can also be found in pottery.
