Temple Lion (Chinthe)

Currently not on view

Temple Lion (Chinthe)

19th - 20th century

Artist/maker unknown, Burmese

Mythical lions such as this one and its pair often flank the entrances of pagodas and temples throughout Burma. Though sometimes mistaken for dragons or some hybrid creature, chinthe are in fact Buddhist lions that serve the same function as the more playful versions from Japan and China. Their imposing appearance was probably inspired by native Burmese mythology and artistic tradition, which played an important role in the development of Buddhist art in that country.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Temple Lion (Chinthe)

Date:

19th - 20th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Burmese

Medium:

Wood, glass, paint, lacquer

Dimensions:

56 x 25 1/2 x 39 1/2 inches (142.2 x 64.8 x 100.3 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Gift from Doris Duke's Southeastern Asian Art Collection, 2003

Accession Number:

2003-222-1

Geography:

Made in Myanmar (Burma), Asia

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Currently not on view