Beautiful heavy bronze incense burner featuring the figurine of a traditional Chinese Guardian Lion on top of the lid and depictions of the animals from the eastern zodiac on the sides of the cauldron.
The lion first came to China during the period of increased trade and cultural exchange in the Han dynasty, where it quickly became associated with earlier venerated ancient Chinese mythological creatures such as the suan-ni. But with the upcoming popularity of Buddhism in China in those era’s, also the symbol of the lion became more and more associated with more Buddhist symbolism.
In the early days, the depiction of the Chinese lion varied greatly from time to time, dynasty to dynasty and region to region, but during the Ming and Qing dynasty its appearance became eventually more standardized and formalized.
The Chinese lion is especially known depicted as a pair of two; one male (often holding some sort of embroidered ball) and one female (holding back a playful cub with her paw). As such, they are nowadays a very traditional and well-known architectural ornament. They are traditionally placed in front of entrances, gates and bridges to deter evil spirits and malevolent influences. Yes, exactly, they are that pair of lions guarding the entrance at your local Asian restaurant.
The male and female lion represent opposite but complementing dynamics. They are a manifestation of the yin-yang principle.
The male lion illustrates the yang; the outward energy and dominion over the physical world, the male will to power, strength, ferocity and aggressive courage. He is usually depicted with his mouth open to repel bad luck with his spiritual roar and the outward breath, expressing the “o” sound of the sacred syllable “om”.
The female illustrates the yin, or inward power. She expresses nurturing strength, compassion, loving care, counsel, teaching and feminine healing. She is frequently shown with her mouth closed, depicting the “m” sound of the “om”, or the inward breath of creation.
This yin-yang principle also shows in their dynamics as protectors; the male lion guards the ground and the structure of the building (the external material elements) and the female lion guards the people inside (the inner spirit or soul within).
This beautiful incense burner shows the figurine of a male Guardian Lion on the lid and more lions on the handles and paws. All around the sides of the cauldron the animals from the Eastern Zodiac can be seen.
Sizes;
Total height (measured including the lid and the lion decoration on top of it); 16 centimeters
Height of the cauldron-part without lid; 10 centimeters
Maximum outside diameter (measured including the handles); 15,5 centimeters
Inside diameter of the cauldron; 7 centimeters
Weight: 720 grams
This incense burner is from vintage origin. It has been used before and therefore shows some signs of age and previous usage. But overall it is still in very good condition.
Only one available.
