This appears to be the only recorded bottle of this design. See C. A. S. Williams, Outline of Chinese Symbolism & Art Motives, pp. 253-255, where the author states that "the lion was not indigenous to China, but was introduced in connection with Buddhist art as the defender of law and protector of sacred buildings". Williams also states that "there is an ancient legend relating that the lion produces milk from its paws, and therefore hollow balls were placed in the hills by the country people, with the result that the lions, who enjoyed sporting with the balls, would leave some of their milk in them, which the people would receive. The male lion is usually represented playing with the ball, however, and the lioness is generally accompanied by the young"