Figure of a Lion

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Figure of a Lion, Foo Dog, or Guardian Lion, by unknown artist. Two statues, each depicting a lion-like creature with a large head, and a body similar to a dog's. The creature has a large mane on its head and neck; its mouth is open, revealing teeth; eyes are bulging; the ears are not visible. The creatures have an ornamental collar around the neck; a ridge of spiky protrusions runs along the top of their back. The tail curls around to one side and has a spiral pattern. One creature's right paw rests on a small lion cub; the other creature's left paw rests on a cylindrical object. Each statue sits on a square base with a patterned design; the design includes a central rounded rectangular shape with floral patterns around it. The background is a plain light gray color.