MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

The Buddhist lion has long been recognised as a powerful symbol of strength and protection in Chinese art. They are usually depicted in pairs, as in the current lot, with the male playing with a ball and the female with a cub. Statues of these majestic beasts were often placed outside important buildings such as residences of officials. Lions are not indigenous to China but their image was popularised with the introduction of Buddhism. They are sometimes seen as a symbol of the Buddha, as well as the protector of sacred buildings. The character for "lion" in Chinese, shi, is also a homophone for 'teacher or master'. Marble lions such as the present pair, placed outside residences, were therefore auspicious symbols of high social status and prosperity.