Stand in the Form of a Crouching Lion

Western Jin dynasty, (265–316), late 3rd century

China

This crouching leonine animal may be a fanciful depiction of a lion—an animal not indigenous to China but initially introduced under the patronage of Buddhism, where it appeared as an emblem for the historical Buddha and as guardian of the faith. This small but imaginative form, carefully modeled with long beard and curled mane, likely served as a candlestand.

Status: On View, Gallery 134
Department: Arts of Asia

Title: Stand in the Form of a Crouching Lion
Place: China (Artist's nationality)
Date: 265 CE–299 CE
Medium: Yue ware; stoneware with underglaze molded decoration
Dimensions: 7 × 10.6 × 6 cm (2 3/4 × 4 3/16 × 2 3/8 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Russell Tyson
Reference Number: 1954.470
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