Gratefully built with ACNLPatternTool
Guardian lions flanked the main approaches to the sanctuary of most Khmer temples and were also placed along the stairways and on terraces. The lion, representing royalty, strength, and courage, was the personal symbol of the Khmer kings, who were believed to be gods as well. Therefore, the lion as guardian of the sacred precinct suggested the ability to ward off evil through both divine and royal protection.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
Use your arrow keys to navigate the tabs below, and your tab key to choose an item
Title: Guardian Lion
Date: 11th–early 12th century
Culture: Thailand
Medium: Stone
Dimensions: H. 42 7/8 in. (109 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1979
Object Number: 1979.406
The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars.
The Met Collection API is where all makers, creators, researchers, and dreamers can connect to the most up-to-date data and public domain images for The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.
