Statue
63-21-1
Location: On Display in the Asia Galleries
From: China | Beijing | Palace
Curatorial Section: Asian
| Object Number | 63-21-1 |
| Current Location | Asia Galleries - On Display |
| Culture | Chinese |
| Provenience | China | Beijing | Palace |
| Period | Qing Dynasty |
| Date Made | ca. 17th Century CE |
| Section | Asian |
| Materials | Enamel | Metal |
| Technique | Cloisonne |
| Iconography | Fu Lion | Fu Dog |
| Description | In the Qing Dynasty, lions were often found in pairs at the entrance of the temples and residence. This male lion, one of a pair, is differentiated from its counterpart by the orb under its foot. The orb may be associated with zhu, the pearl of supremacy and the symbol of sovereign authority. The lion is not indigenous to China, so its appearance was only known through drawings or hearsay. The Pekinese pug and the tiger, both native to China, became substitute models for the beasts, making the description of lions in China often appear unrealistic. |
| Height | 226.06 cm |
| Depth | 0 cm |
| Credit Line | Gift of the Salada Tea Company, 1963 |
| Other Number | L-506-1 - Old Loan Number |
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