Jade Miniature Guardian Lion

Dublin Core

Title

Jade Miniature Guardian Lion

Subject

Figurine

Description

Chinese guardian lions sometimes recalled Shishi, refer to lion sculptures often found in parts of Asia such as China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. The image originates from Chinese Buddhism where they are believed to have powerful protective benefits. Because of this, statues of the lion are often displayed in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, government buildings, temples, etc. The lions are usually depicted in pairs with the male leaning his paw on an embroidered ball and the female having a cub on her back. 

Check out the High Library for more information. 

Check out the origins of religious sculptures in China. 

Sources: 
Marianne Hulsbosch, Elizabeth Bedford, and Martha Chaiklin, Asian Material Culture (Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2009)

Date

Circa 20th Century

Contributor

Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, USA)
Dr. William V. Puffenberger

Rights

Elizabethtown College retains all intellectual property rights to this image including, but not limited to, digital rights and any derivative works. For permission for reproduction, please contact the College’s Administrative Assistant for Humanities.

Format

A small Jade figurine of a guard dog with detailed engravings.

Type

Physical Object

Identifier

Puffenberger #43

Coverage

China