Famen Temple Pagoda: Figurines of Lions

CHINA, Shaanxi, Baoji; Tang dynasty

With its nobility, strength, and power, the lion is often used as a symbol for the Buddha.
These two amber figurines are representations of a lion and lioness. The dark red lion has a large, round head with a long mane and is crouching with its left paw near its mouth. His body has finely incised lines. The lioness, in a slightly lighter shade of red, is incised with fine lines and appears as if she is ready to pounce.