Singi
Category
Brassware
Date
1800
Materials
brass
Measurements
240 mm (H); 100 mm (W); 240 mm (D)
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107395
Summary
One of a pair of Nepalese brass guardian lions, which would have been used for incense. 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. Lions have traditionally been associated with royalty, strength and power and the Buddha's teachings are often said to resemble the 'Lion's Roar'. '[A brass lion (Singi), door guardian with holes for incense sticks and lamp - Nepalese]' (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.