Lion Statuette
Unknown Artist
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
H. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
China · Song dynasty (960–1279)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1928
Accession Number
28.187.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
This charming Lion Statuette, carved from wood during China's Song dynasty (960–9), stands just 7½ inches (19.1 cm) tall, making it a delightful example of portable sculpture from the Asian Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. through the Rogers Fund in 8, it exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of a period often hailed as a golden age for Chinese arts, when scholars and artisans produced works blending elegance with everyday appeal. In Chinese culture, symbolized imperial power, protection against evil, and good fortune, frequently appearing as guardians at thresholds or in dec...