Carved Variegated Stone Buddhist Lion (Shishi) with Pierced Brocade Ball
Name/Title
Carved Variegated Stone Buddhist Lion (Shishi) with Pierced Brocade BallEntry/Object ID
SC0602Description
Chinese carved figural group in variegated red-brown, gray, cream and dark gray ornamental stone, depicting a crouching Buddhist guardian lion (shishi) accompanied by a large pierced brocade ball. The lion is modeled with prominent rounded eyes, broad muzzle, curled ears, stylized mane and muscular limbs. The spherical brocade ball is extensively pierced and decorated with circular motifs, providing the principal openwork element of the composition. The carving makes deliberate visual use of the stone's contrasting reddish and gray coloration, with the head, mane and portions of the body displaying stronger red-brown tones against gray and cream areas. Principal surfaces are polished, with incised and relief details defining the mane, facial features and body.Type of Sculpture
Free StandingArtwork Details
Medium
Appears to be Soapstone or Shoushan stoneSubject
Buddhist guardian lion (shishi)Category
Chinese carved stone
Made/Created
Artist
Maker presently unidentifiedTime Period
20th CenturyEthnography
Cultural Region
Continent
AsiaCulture/Tribe
Chinese