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Old Chinese stone carved lion typeB /Early 20th century/Garden ornament

About the Item

This is a stone lion statue made in China, presumably in the 20th century or later, during the Republic of China period. The material used is sandstone, which has a fine and rough texture, and the natural erosion of the stone over time has given it a rich and tasteful appearance. In China, lions have long been popular as guardian animals that ward off evil spirits and symbolize wealth and authority. Placed in pairs at the gates of palaces, temples, and the residences of the wealthy, they served to ward off evil spirits and impurity. This culture came to Japan and evolved into the unique “komainu” (guardian dogs) found at the entrances of shrines and temples. The komainu, which are arranged in the shape of A-Un, are still a familiar symbol of protection from evil spirits and guardianship in Japan, and still live on in our daily lives. This work was probably made by skilled craftsmen who produced many of the same model at that time. However, if you look closely, you can see the individuality in the carving, especially in the facial expressions, the spiral patterns in the mane, the expression of tight muscles, and the geometric patterns on the base, all of which show delicate craftsmanship. Despite its small size, it has a solid presence, making it a very attractive piece for both indoor and outdoor interiors. Placed in a corner of an entryway, study, or living room, it will add a dignified atmosphere and oriental weight to the space. Of course, it will also show its original charming appearance when placed in the eaves or in the garden. The soft shadows and the tranquil air emitted by the texture of the stone are truly the best part of this item. In terms of condition, the piece has been outdoors for many years and is chipped at the tip of the nose and the bell on the breast, and there is also some loss at the base of the right front leg. There are also some minor hairline cracks on the shin of the right front leg, but there are no strength issues and the integrity of the stone is maintained. These areas can be seen in the images, and we are sure that you will agree with us on these points. The item has been well-preserved and can be enjoyed as both an object of appreciation and as an accent in a space. There is another similar item (the one circled in red is the item shown in the photo). Please take a look at them as well. Despite its relatively compact size, it weighs 15.45 kg, giving it a sense of stability and allowing it to be moved around. The fact that it can be installed simply by placing it on the pedestal is one of its attractive points. Weight: 15.45 kg Part number: SC117B
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15.44 in (39.2 cm)Width: 5.91 in (15 cm)Depth: 8.63 in (21.9 cm)
  • Style:
    Chinese Export (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th century
  • Condition:
    There are chips on the tip of the nose and the bell on the chest, and there is also a chip at the base of the right front leg. There is also a fine hairline crack on the shin of the right front leg, but it does not affect the strength.
  • Seller Location:
    Sammu-shi, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5487245072112

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