With elegant, stylized ferocity, a rampant lion
pounces on a fleeing demon. Originally, this
graceful sculpture may have stood guard at the
doorway of a palace or temple as a warning to all
malicious spirits not to enter. The tradition for
lions guarding doors and gates is an ancient one,
common to a great variety of cultures including
the Egyptians, Assyrians, Romans and Chinese.
There is a strong Chinese influence in this piece,
suggesting open relations between the two
cultures. Rendered with the timeless energy of
myth, this is a work of enduring power and
beauty.
- (PF.1319)
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