Items Similar to Pair of Polychrome Khmer Guardian Lions, c. 1850
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 19
Pair of Polychrome Khmer Guardian Lions, c. 1850
$8,800per set
£6,746.32per set
€7,719.68per set
CA$12,436.38per set
A$13,517.86per set
CHF 7,236.33per set
MX$163,399.54per set
NOK 91,191.81per set
SEK 84,102.53per set
DKK 57,653.70per set
About the Item
Grand and imposing, these monumental lion sculptures offer protection to all those who stand before them. Dated to the mid-19th century, the majestic pair is sculpted of carved wood and molded plaster with a gilt and polychrome finish, with decorative accents of rock crystal and cut glass. Beautifully worked with artful craftsmanship and terrific scale, the lions are attributed to Khmer artisans of Cambodia and southeast Asia, and crafted in a traditional style popularized during the Khmer Empire (802 to 1431).
An important part of traditional Khmer iconography, the lion is a powerful symbol that emphasizes the authority of the king. Guardian lions such as these were known to flank the entryways of Khmer temples and other sacred sites, serving both as greeters and defenders. The lion, representing royalty, strength, and courage, is identified as the personal symbol of the Khmer deified rulers. Therefore, the lion was believed to ward off evil through both divine and royal protection.
This pair of temple lions is finely crafted with intricate detailing and rich depth of color. A red-brown polychrome underlayer darkens the surface, enlivened by traces of the original gilt finish. The mane and chest are meticulously carved with wavy locks of hair and ornate geometric patterns. At the center of the chest is a flower in bloom surrounded by various swirling and braided embellishments. Adorning the lions' face are striking eyes of domed rock crystal, outlined with stylized teardrop eyebrows. A similar detail of inlaid cut glass can be seen lining the tails, adding a pop of green color to the brown-gold finish. With their alert postures and incredible artistry, these mythical lions are the ultimate protectors of the home.
Significant restorations to plaster finish on the legs and back.
- Dimensions:Height: 54 in (137.16 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 37.5 in (95.25 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Chinese Export (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c. 1850
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: CMCL0941stDibs: LU820037110692
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1997
1stDibs seller since 2006
1,746 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chicago, IL
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllPair of Chinese Guardian Lion Dogs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of monumental Fu-Lions, also known as shizi, once would have flanked the entrance to a Qing-dynasty home in China’s Shanxi province. One has a pearl under its foot, and the...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
$13,880 / set
Pair of Chinese Guardian Fu Lions with Riders, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of intricately carved limestone fu lions once protected the entry of a grand courtyard home in 19th-century China. Also known as shizi or foo dogs, the mythical creatures a...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Stone Fu Lion Guardians
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of 19th century carved limestone Fu dogs with sinister smiles and furled brows once guarded the entrance to one of provincial China's grand homes. One peers up and the othe...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
Pair of Chinese Stone Fu Lion Guardians, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of limestone fu lion-dogs once protected a grand courtyard home in 19th-century China. Skillfully carved in attentive postures, the mythical lions are known as “shizi,” pow...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
$13,880 / set
Pair of Monumental Chinese Stone Spirit Way Tigers, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These monumental stone tiger sculptures offer protection to all those who stand before them. Hand-carved from solid limestone with terrific scale and careful detail, the majestic tig...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Statues
Materials
Limestone
Pair of Petite Mythical Qilin Figures
Located in Chicago, IL
Despite their muscular frames and fearsome expressions, these petite stone beasts are actually the benevolent creatures known as qilin. Also known as kirin or Chinese unicorns...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Animal Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
$880 / set
You May Also Like
Pair of Vintage Patinated Bronze Thai "Singha" Guardian Lions / Foo Dogs
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of patinated bronze Thai "Singha" guardian lions / foo dogs, circa 1950s. The pair are in very good vintage condition with amazing detail and a gorgeous patina. Each dog measure...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Antique Southeast Asian Burmese Jeweled Carved Qilin Foo Lion Figure Statue Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A near pair of antique Southeast Asian Burmese jeweled parcel gilt wooden temple guardian figure carvings. circa 1900
Hand carved in Burma (present day Myanmar) in the late 19th / early 20th century, most likely the Mandalay region, each richly detailed and gilded, adorned with inset green colored mirrored cut glass mosaic inlays, depicting mythical qilin / stylized lion temple guardian, rising on integral red lacquered platform base,
Dimensions: (approx)
Each: 7" Tall, 2.5" Wide, 4" Deep;
A charming pair of small highly decorative table sculptures / shelf statues...
Category
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cut Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
Pair of Antique Northern Thai Carved and Polychrome Mythical Guardian Animals
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of antique Chiang Mai wood mythical guardian animals from Thailand. Carved in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, this captivating pair of mythical guardian animals commands attent...
Category
Antique 19th Century Thai Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Pair of Bronze Singha Temple Lions, Foo Dogs.
Located in Stamford, CT
A magnificent pair of bronze Singha Temple Lions, a Thai mythical creature in the form of a lion that has been a big part of Thai history guarding the entrances to the many Buddhist ...
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
$9,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Chinese 19th Century Hand Carved and Painted Temple Guardian Lions
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese sculpted and polychromed temple guardian lions architectural wood carvings. Born in China during the 18th or 19th century, each...
Category
Antique 19th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Pair Monumental Polychrome Terracotta Buddhist Guardian Lions
Located in New York, NY
Pair of monumental Chinese polychrome glazed terracotta guardian lions each measuring 39 1/2 by 21 3/4 by 18 inches.
Category
20th Century Chinese Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
More Ways To Browse
Antique Chinese Lions
Used China And Crystal
Chinese Guardian
Mid Century Majestic
Chinese Guardian Lion
Temple Lions
Khmer Sculpture
Khmer Lion
Porcelain Cat Sculpture
Small Italian Sculpture
Staffordshire Spaniels
Antique Poodles
Brass Horse Sculpture
Bronze Pheasant
Hand Carved Stone Animal
Italian Giraffe
Mid Century Ceramic Cat
Mid Century Panther