Lion

China

Not on view

While lions are not native to China, some specimens apparently had reached there from the West by the Western Han (206 BC.–AD 9) period: there is evidence, for example, that lions were among the many exotic animals kept in the Han-dynasty imperial parks. In all probability, these two meticulously sculpted ceramic figurines functioned as bases for some kind of stand. Counterparts to these earthenware lions can be found in Tang-dynasty (618–907) stone sculpture.

Lion, Earthenware with traces of pigments, China

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Lion, Earthenware with traces of pigments, China
Lion, Earthenware with traces of pigments, China
Lion, Earthenware with traces of pigments, China
Lion, Earthenware with traces of pigments, China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.