Chinese Temple Pillar with Foo Lion Motif

Crown on his head, lion underfoot, and one hand raised to his chin in thought.

This temple pillar with a foo lion motif comes from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 18th century. It is stone. In Chinese temple architecture, guardian lions often crowned posts and railings, set there as protectors of the sacred precinct. A crowned figure sits astride a crouching lion, one hand lifted to his chin and a smaller figure at his shoulder. The lion clutches a ball beneath its paw on a squared shaft with incised panels. The dark gray stone is worn smooth in places and rough in others. It is 11 inches wide and 28 high.

Deep in thought, and in no danger of falling off.