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Details
- Place where the work was made
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Cambodia
- Cultural origin
- Bayon style
- Date
- circa 13th century
- Media category
- Sculpture
- Materials used
- copper alloy with gilt
- Dimensions
- 13.7 x 4.5 x 7.7 cm
- Signature & date
Not signed. Not dated.
- Credit
- Bequest of Alex Biancardi 2000
- Location
- Not on display
- Accession number
- 42.2000
- Copyright
- Share
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About
Lions are an important motif in Southeast Asia, arriving in the region with the spread of Hindu and Buddhist ideas. They are identified with heroism and leadership, and therefore are symbols of royal power. Lions were depicted as guardian figures in temples, but were also representative of royal patronage. This small metal lion is highly stylised in a manner typical of central mainland Southeast Asia. The creature crouches in a strong frontal pose. Its body is compact and stocky, and tail curls upwards to touch the back of its head. Wide, pointed snouts dominate its fierce face. In keeping with the lion's association with kingly status, its chests display patterned breast-plates.
Asian Art Department, AGNSW, May 2011
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Places
Where the work was made
Cambodia
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Exhibition history
Shown in 1 exhibition
Conversations through the Asian collections, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 25 Oct 2014–13 Mar 2016