ticketsMember | Make a donation

Lion Guardian

8th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This sculpture of a guardian lion, with a broad, powerful chest and a great mane framing its ferociously expressive face as if emitting a mighty roar, protected the stupa and its holy relics and embodies the “roar of the Buddha,” the teachings heard across the world. As the lion was unknown in mainland Southeast Asia, it no doubt assumed the same mythological status as other imaginary creatures. The face is fancifully realized, sculpted in wet stucco to achieve a sureness of line and fullness of form, with bulging eyes, flared nose, deeply furrowed brow, and cavernous mouth exposing teeth.

cat. no. 128

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Lion Guardian
  • Date: 8th century
  • Culture: Central Thailand
  • Medium: Stucco
  • Dimensions: H. 22 13/16 in. (58 cm); W. 28 3/4 in. (73 cm); D. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand (632/2519)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art