Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Lion Guardian
Not on view
This sculpture of a guardian lion, with a broad, powerful chest and a great mane framing its ferociously expressive face as if emitting a mighty roar, protected the stupa and its holy relics and embodies the “roar of the Buddha,” the teachings heard across the world. As the lion was unknown in mainland Southeast Asia, it no doubt assumed the same mythological status as other imaginary creatures. The face is fancifully realized, sculpted in wet stucco to achieve a sureness of line and fullness of form, with bulging eyes, flared nose, deeply furrowed brow, and cavernous mouth exposing teeth.
cat. no. 128
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
