Lion Protome, probably for a Throne
c. 2nd century
Medium
Spotted red sandstone
Dimensions
80.7 × 47 × 30.4 cm (31 3/4 × 18 1/2 × 12 in.)
Classification
sandstone
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
148355
Art Historical Context
Behold the majestic *Lion Protome, probably for a Throne*, a striking sandstone sculpture from the 2nd century, hailing from the Arts of Asia collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Carved from spotted red sandstone—a durable, vividly colored stone prized in ancient Asian workshops—this piece measures an imposing 80.7 × 47 × 30.4 cm, capturing the fierce essence of a lion in dynamic, three-dimensional form. Likely designed as an attachment for royal furniture, such as a throne's armrest or backrest, it exemplifies the era's masterful stone carving techniques, where artisans skillfully rend...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...