Cleveland Museum of Art

Guardian Lion

Date

c. 600

Medium

white marble

Culture

China, Tang dynasty (618-907)

Department

Chinese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Lion sculptures like this example are often found at the entrance to Buddhist temples in China. It may seem as if they are there to protect the temple. Lions also have had strong associations with Buddhism since the religion’s origin; the dharma, or Buddhist doctrine, is said to be spread through his roar.

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