javanutmom
"In Chinese architecture two lions placed outside grand residences and institutions act as protectors/guardians. Also known as Shi-shi, one is a male playing with a ball of ribbon, and the other is a female with her cub. Their mouths are shaped to form, respectively, the mantric sounds AH and HUM.
Burkhardt (b. 1884) wrote that the Chinese believed the mythological lioness suckled her young through her claws. Since the milk had "mystic" qualities, it was the role of the male lion to collect it. A custom arose whereby people left hollow balls up in the mountains, hoping that the lions would play with them and some of the milk would remain inside." (www.khandro.net)
More interesting facts about Chinese lions such as the one in the image above:
www.ebeijing.gov.cn/About Beijing/ArchaicCivilization/t200242.htm
"In Chinese architecture two lions placed outside grand residences and institutions act as protectors/guardians. Also known as Shi-shi, one is a male playing with a ball of ribbon, and the other is a female with her cub. Their mouths are shaped to form, respectively, the mantric sounds AH and HUM.
Burkhardt (b. 1884) wrote that the Chinese believed the mythological lioness suckled her young through her claws. Since the milk had "mystic" qualities, it was the role of the male lion to collect it. A custom arose whereby people left hollow balls up in the mountains, hoping that the lions would play with them and some of the milk would remain inside." (www.khandro.net)
More interesting facts about Chinese lions such as the one in the image above:
www.ebeijing.gov.cn/About Beijing/ArchaicCivilization/t200242.htm