also known as lion dogs, these figures loosley resemble chinese guardian lions, thought to provide spiritual protection from harm. over the centuries guardian sculptures have spread throughout asia and the west and somewhere along the way the lions have been misidentified and represented as chinese dog breeds.

this carved wooden example was once painted all over but with the strokes of many hands, the timber of his head is revealed.

50cm long x 50cm tall x 18cm wide, base 18cm x 35cm

measurements are approximate