Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 13

Chinese lion sculpture , WEI DYNASTY PROBABLY

About the Item

In the heart of an ancient empire, stands a sculpture of breathtaking power and majesty, probable Wei dynasty. A mighty beast, sculpted from the very essence of strength, is poised in eternal vigilance. It sits regally on a rectangular base, its muscular form testifying to the raw power it embodies. Its front paws are outstretched, as if ready to pounce, while its sinuous tail curls gracefully over its proud back. But it is the lion's head that really catches the eye. Its face is a study in fierce determination, a face of unwavering steadfastness. Its mouth is frozen in mid-roar, its tongue sticking out of its mouth, reverberating in the depths of the stone itself. Beneath furrowed brows, his eyes shine with an intensity that pierces the soul of those who dare meet his gaze. The stone from which this magnificent creature emerges is a burnt-grey hue, a color that speaks of ancient fires and untamed passion. It is as if the very earth itself has given birth to this masterpiece, infusing it with the essence of the ages. Imperial documents, penned by those who once ruled with authority and grace, speak of the lion's majestic qualities. They recount how this noble creature captivated the hearts of emperors, drawing them into its fierce embrace. In response, royalty adopted the lion as an iconography of protection, a symbol of unwavering strength. They adorned their tombs and shrines with stone and earthen sculptures of these magnificent creatures, imbuing these sacred spaces with a palpable sense of guardian presence. These sculptures were not mere decorations; they were sentinels of the soul, standing sentinel at the threshold of eternity. Placed in pairs, one on each side of the entrance, they stood as vigilant guardians, their steadfast presence a silent promise of protection and sanctuary to all who dared to approach. In their imposing form and unwavering gaze, they embodied the very essence of royalty – regal, powerful, and timeless.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)Width: 18.12 in (46 cm)Depth: 4.73 in (12 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1300
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. In original condition defects and faults due to its age.
  • Seller Location:
    Milano, IT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4911237207762

More From This Seller

View All
Taoist bronze figure China, Ming dynasty, 16th century
Located in Milano, IT
In the heart of ancient China, within the resplendent Ming dynasty, a masterpiece was cast in bronze, a testament to a culture steeped in mysticism and spirituality. This Taoist bron...
Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Post Modern Italian Sculpture
Located in Milano, IT
This 1980s sculpture is a powerful testament to contemporary abstract modern art, an artwork that embodies the essence of industrial design transformed into visual poetry. Created by...
Category

Vintage 1980s European Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Iron Sculpture by Aldo Guarnieri
Located in Milano, IT
This modern sculpture by Aldo Guarnieri commands attention with its austerity and visual complexity. Crafted with a mixed technique, the piece consists of two overlapping square pane...
Category

1990s European Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Iron

Cleopatra Bronze sculpture Egyptian light
Located in Milano, IT
Bronze Statue of Cleopatra Reclining on Red Marble Base - Classical Sculpture of Great Charm This elegant bronze statue depicting Cleopatra in a reclining position is an extraordinar...
Category

Vintage 1920s Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Renato Bassoli Stone Soldier Sculpture, Signed 1955
By Renato Bassoli
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful stone statue designed and produced by Renato Bassoli in 1955, of fine Italian manufacture. The statue is made of natural dark stone, very beautiful. The statue would appear...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Biagio Romeo Wood and Bronze Sculpture
By Romeo
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful sculpture designed by Biagio Romeo in the 1960s, of fine Italian manufacture. The sculpture has a rectangular base made of polished black wood, ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

You May Also Like

Chinese Qing Dynasty Wood Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
18th/19th Century Chinese Wood Sculpture Of A Emperor or General. Retains Some Polychrome Decoration And Horsehair Beard, Male Figure Seated On ...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Qing Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Northern Wei Dynasty Terracotta Sculpture of Buddha 386-534 AD
Located in Dallas, TX
C. 386-534 AD. Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty. A interim Han-Tang Dynasty terracotta brick in a cream-coloured fabric featuring a beautiful depict...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Bronze Fighting Foo Lions Censer, Qing Dynasty, Late 19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic Chinese cast bronze censer in the form of two Buddhistic lions play fighting, late Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, China. The censer formed as a pair of Buddhistic li...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Large Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Cast Bronze Buddhistic Foo Lion Censer
Located in Austin, TX
A large and powerfully cast Chinese bronze censer in the form of two Buddhistic lions, Qing dynasty, late 19th century. The censer is well cast with a strong sense of movement, featuring a pair of fierce Buddhistic lions playfully antagonizing each other. Locked in a mock battle, the smaller lion...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Northern Wei Dynasty Terracotta Sculpture Of A Seated Buddha 386-534 AD
Located in Dallas, TX
C. 386-534 AD. Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty. A pre Tang Dynasty terracotta brick in a cream-coloured fabric featuring a beautiful depiction of a...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair Large Antique Chinese Stoneware Guardian Lions Qing Dynasty 19th Century
Located in Katonah, NY
These magnificent Chinese temple lions are true works of art, masterfully crafted with incredible attention to detail. The bulging eyes, sharp ears, open mouth, and fluttering mane are expertly rendered, creating a pair of stunning creatures that are truly alive with energy and movement. The expressive faces of these lions are captivating, and the fact that they are a "true" pair, meaning a male and a female facing each other, adds to the sense of interaction and action. These lions are made of stoneware and painted in the traditional Chinese sancai three-color glaze on a light brown ground; dating to the late Qing period, they are covered in rich green, blue, and amber glazes. The intricate detailing and rich colors are breathtaking, making these lions a treasure. Temple lions, also known as lion dogs, are celebrated for their auspicious symbolism. They are believed to protect the peace and prosperity of one's home. These lions are beautiful works of art that bring good luck and prosperity to the homes they are placed in. Dimensions: 17" Height x 16" Length x 6 1/2" Depth. Condition: Excellent Price: $5,800 Background of Chinese Temple Lions: Chinese guardian lions...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Recently Viewed

View All