Antique Stone Lion Paper Weight

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I have always liked stone lions and have done some research on them. The earliest images of lions are found … Read more I have always liked stone lions and have done some research on them. The earliest images of lions are found in Buddhist stone steles, two lions, situated on th e front of the sculpture, one on each side, acted as Buddha's guardians. Lions were not found in China and the artisans had to use their imagination to create credible images. There was the beginning of Chinese Fo Dogs - Buddha's dogs - feline looking animals with curls on their heads, manes growing on each side of the spines, and flame like tails. The female with a cub feeding from her paws, and the male with a brocade ball.

This little stone fo dog stands alone. The stone mason who chiseled it from a stone gave it his own interpretation. The lion stands on all fours. It has a large head, long mane instead of curls, and a braided tail. It has a charming and endearing appearance. In China, stone lions were and still used as guardians mounted at the entrance of temples and houses. Little stone lions were used as garden ornaments. For a practical use today, it works as a heavy paper weight. See less