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China

Stand in the Form of a Crouching Lion

Western Jin dynasty, (265–316), late 3rd century
Yue ware; stoneware with underglaze molded decoration
10.6 × 6 cm (4.2 × 2.4 in)

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● On view now — Gallery 134

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This crouching leonine animal may be a fanciful depiction of a lion—an animal not indigenous to China but initially introduced under the patronage of Buddhism, where it appeared as an emblem for the historical Buddha and as guardian of the faith. This small but imaginative form, carefully modeled with long beard and curled mane, likely served as a candlestand.

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