Chinese Guardian Lions 獅

The Chinese Guardian Lion (獅-shī), also known as the Imperial Guardian Lion, is a very prominent figure in the Chinese culture. Prevalent in pre-modern China, the “foo dog” is most commonly seen standing at the foot of Chinese imperial palaces, tombs, government offices, and wealthy estates. This intricate animalistic figure has a distinct meaning dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). When constructed in pairs, the two statues depict a male leaning his paw upon an embroidered ball–connoting supremacy over the world–and a female restraining a playful cub–connoting nurture.

Guardian Lions truly hold a significant role. They were first presented to the Han dynasty court by emissaries from Central Asia and Persia. Around the sixth century AD, they became popularized as guardian figures. They appear almost as regal beasts, ready to protect the emperor’s gates from heretics or intruders.

The dichotomy in artistic detail and adornment displays a variety of stylistic purpose within the depictions of the lions (i.e. from fierce to serene). However, despite the varying forms of the Chinese guardian lion throughout the early history in China, the pose, appearance, and accessories grew to become quite standardized and formalized during the Ming and Qing dynasties into a more common present form.

Here are some commonly expressed names for this magical foo dog:

• Stone lion (石獅, Pinyin: Shí shī): for a stone sculpture; or
• Bronze lion (銅獅, Pinyin: Tóng shī): for a bronze sculpture

and less commonly:

• Auspicious lion (瑞獅, Pinyin: Ruì shī): referring to the Tibetan Snow Lion or good fortune
• Fortuitous lion (福獅, Pinyin: fú shī): referring to good fortune
• Buddha’s or Buddhist lion (佛獅, Pinyin: fó shī): referring in a religious context to the lion as protector of Buddha

In Asian cultures:

• In Japan: the lion figures are known as Komainu (狛犬, lit Korea dogs) due to their introduction to Japan through Korea
• In Myanmar: called Chinthe and gave their name to the World War II Chindit soldiers.
• In Okinawa: similar lion formed statuettes are known as Shisa.
• In Tibet: known as a Snow Lion