Indian Figure of Mating Foo Lions

Two lions tangled up on a lotus base, and neither one apologizing.

Indian metalworkers made this figure of mating foo lions in bronze in the 19th century. Lion forms like this are commonly linked to Buddhist and protective imagery across Asia, and small cast groups of this kind were often kept as objects of devotion or curiosity. One snarling lion with a curling mane stands over the other, a tiny figure clinging to the side. The base carries a row of beaded dots. The golden bronze has warm brown darkening in the folds.

About 2 inches in each direction. Pocket-sized, and loaded with bad manners.