Singi
Category
Brassware
Date
1800
Materials
paint & brass
Measurements
410 mm (H); 240 mm (W); 300 mm (D)
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107326
Summary
One of a pair of Nepalese brass guardian lions with holes for incense sticks and a lamp. It is customary for the lion to be placed on the right side of the entrance into a Buddhist temple, and along with its partner, their purpose is to ward off evil. The pair of lions have flames along their legs to show their invincibility, the bells around their neck shows that they have been tamed by the Buddha. '[A brass figure of a lion (Singi), door guardian with holes for incense sticks and lamp - Nepalese] Another, similar' (Christie's entry)
Provenance
Purchased in 1986 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund from Francis Curzon, 3rd Viscount Scarsdale (1924-2000). Gifted to the National Trust in 1987 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.