Chinese Mythological Guardian Figure

A guardian should not look this pleased. He does anyway.

This mythological guardian figure is carved from stone and comes from China, Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 CE). Fierce beasts in stone were long set before Chinese tombs and temples to ward off harm, though their exact identities vary and scholars still argue over the names. He sits upright on a stepped block, paws splayed, eyes round, mouth stretched in a wide toothy grin. The pale surface looks pitted and worn across the chest and muzzle. Just over five feet tall.

Visitors will want to be polite.