Considering
that the dragon is the sacred symbol of imperial China, guardian lions are powerful
and miraculous protectors that stand in front of the Chinese imperial palaces,
emperors' tombs and government offices since Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Originally,
guardian lions were represented with both forefeet on the ground, and later the
male would hold a ball that may represents the sun, the creative principle, or
simply treasure of the place which it was guarded. The feminine principle of the
lioness is indicated by the cub playing beneath her raised paw.
This
fine cast pair of guardian lions are made of silver gilded bronze. Their realistically
rendered broad muzzles, jagged frontal ribs, jutting fangs and square open jaws
preserved a powerful force of character, finely detailed smooth surface, bouble
thunderbolts on the base. They are undoubtedly vigorous in appearances and crisp
in forms.