Tibetan Candle Holder Depicting Snow Lion

A tail like a fern frond, and a candle mounted on its back.

This candle holder depicting a snow lion comes from Tibet and dates to the early 20th century. It is made of copper and shell. In Tibetan Buddhist imagery the snow lion lives in the high ranges, and its roar is linked with the fearless sound of the Buddha's teaching. Seen in profile, it strides forward with a curled mane, a chain collar and white shell eyes, while a scrolling tail arcs up behind the candle cup. Eleven inches high and 11.25 wide.

Nobody appears to have asked the lion.