A gray schist carving of a lion

GANDHARA, CIRCA 3RD CENTURY

Details

A gray schist carving of a lion
Gandhara, circa 3rd Century
Expressively carved with his head turned slightly to the side, with a ferocious expression of furrowed brows, bulging eyes and gaping mouth, the tongue protruding from between the fangs, the curly mane carved with tufts of hair parting at his forehead and cascading down his chest
15 in. (39.4 cm.) high

Provenance

Private collection, Switzerland

Lot Essay

The lion is a symbol of the Shakya clan, from which Buddha Shakyamuni descended. As guardian animals of the Buddhist faith, figures of lions would protect the entrances of Buddhist edifices.
Schist images of lions are surprisingly rare. The present example might possibly have served as a throne support.