Guardian Lion

c. 600

Guardian Lion, c. 600. China, Tang dynasty (618-907). White marble; overall: 78.8 cm (31 in.); base: 49.6 x 41.8 cm (19 1/2 x 16 7/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1965.473 Lion sculptures like this example are often found at the entrance to Buddhist temples in China. It may seem as if they are there to protect the temple. Lions also have had strong associations with Buddhism since the religion’s origin; the dharma, or Buddhist doctrine, is said to be spread through his roar.