Lion
While lions are not native to China, some specimens apparently had reached there from the West by the Western Han (206 BC.–AD 9) period: there is evidence, for example, that lions were among the many exotic animals kept in the Han-dynasty imperial parks. In all probability, these two meticulously sculpted ceramic figurines functioned as bases for some kind of stand. Counterparts to these earthenware lions can be found in Tang-dynasty (618–907) stone sculpture.
Artwork Details
- 唐 彩繪陶獅
- Title: Lion
- Period: Tang dynasty (618–907)
- Date: ca. late 7th–first half of the 8th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Earthenware with traces of pigments
- Dimensions: H. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm); W. 5 in. (12.7 cm); D. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Partial and Promised Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Beckwith, in honor of Suzanne G. Valenstein, 2002
- Object Number: 2002.478.2
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
ca. late 7th–first half of the 8th century
China
ca. 550–560
China
early 7th century
China
7th century
China
8th century
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