What are the characteristics of stone lions in ancient dynasties?

Shishi is a lion carved from stone, which is often used as an ornament in traditional buildings in China.

According to legend, in the Eastern Han Dynasty, lions were given as gifts to the emperor of China. With the introduction of Buddhism into China, the lion revered by Buddhism has become a noble and majestic spirit beast in people's minds. China soon learned the carving art of stone lions from India, and the phenomenon of displaying tombs appeared.

In the Tang Dynasty, the stone lion carving art reached its peak. Because of the vivid creative method, the stone lion is exactly like China. The China sculptor carved the stone lion magnificently and vividly, with curly hair on his head, his mouth open, his neck upturned, his claws powerful and his demeanor domineering.

After the Ming Dynasty, the stone lion carving art was not only higher than that of the Tang Dynasty, but also more widely used in people's lives. Palaces, mansions, tombs and even ordinary citizens' houses are guarded by stone lions; Stone lions are carved on the lintel eaves and stone railings as decoration. For example, the world-famous Lugou Bridge, with 140 stigma on both sides, is carved with exquisite and lively stone lions. Various postures, rich expressions, different sizes and vivid sculptures.

By the Qing Dynasty, the sculpture of lions was basically shaped. Shishi is usually based in Xumi Mountain, and there is a brocade shop on the base.

Lions have different shapes. They are beautified in China. Their basic form is full of curly hair, magnificent. The shape of the lion has different characteristics in different dynasties: in the Han and Tang dynasties, it was usually magnificent and powerful; In the Yuan Dynasty, the body was slender and powerful; Ming and Qing dynasties were relatively docile.

The moral of the stone lion:

Lions are first and foremost a symbol of authority. ?

The lion looks fierce, brave and unstoppable, and is the king of all animals. Around the world, people regard lions as auspicious animals, and lion statues can be seen everywhere on five continents.

Although lions are not a local product of China, China has a unique lion culture, and lion dances will be held all over the country during the festival. People put on colorful lion coats and imitate lions to walk, sit, throw balls and jump.

Among them, the dance of "two lions playing hydrangea" means endless life, family reproduction and social prosperity. The picture of the lion rolling hydrangea in auspicious patterns has the same meaning. The image of a lion often appears in Buddhist classics and Buddhist statues. Manjusri Bodhisattva, a wise Buddha, takes the lion as its mount, thus adding auspicious meaning to the lion.

Ancient officials and extended families were the ruling class and aristocratic class of society. Lions occupied the supreme position among all animals, and lion statues also became a symbol of authority.

The lion statue outside the government gate has also become an official. The lion on the left side of the palace represents the "Taishi" and is the highest official rank in the court; The lion on the right stands for "Shao Bao" and is the bodyguard of the Crown Prince.