pair of Ming Dynasty stone carved lions

pair of Ming Dynasty stone carved lions

Dynasties of Asia offers this beautiful original set of antique Chinese stone lions dating to the 15th Century.

These lions were commissioned for a family with considerable wealth and power.   Evidence of this determination comes from the decoration of ornaments carved at the neckline of each of the figures.   It is important to note, however,  that there does not seem to be any evidence that these lions originated from any imperial structure.  Had they been for a Chinese imperial structure there would have been curls down the spine.

In Ming Dynasty China, lions were typically placed at the entrance of a family's home to protect it from evil spirits.   The large doors of the home were secured at the base of the figures at the lions rear.

Lions were originally used to guard Buddhist temples at the start of the Han Dynasty, and soon disappeared for a millennia.

The animal is a symbol of energy and value, and is often displayed in a male/female pair.  The male plays with a ball that symbolizes the Earth, while the female holds a cub.

The ball on the male lion figure is secured on his hip, however it appears that a piece of stone had broken off from the ball to the mane.

Aside from that missing piece, these figures are in remarkable condition and certainly are worthy of investment.