What do the lion statues in the Forbidden City, Beijing, mean?
The artifacts and works of art in Beijing’s Forbidden City, the imperial palace of Chinese emperors for more than 400 years, include statues of guardian lions. They stand at the entrance of the Forbidden City’s Palace of Tranquil Longevity and were believed to have protective powers.IdentificationThe imperial guardian lions, as the statues are known, are usually shown in pairs: one male lion and one female. These lions can also be seen at the entrances of temples, restaurants, hotels and other buildings in Chinese communities.FeaturesThe male guardian lion has a sphere that symbolizes the earth under its paw, while the female protects a cub. Their mouths are open in a roar, with fierce faces intended to frighten evil spirits.TypesThe Qing-era lions at the Palace of Tranquil Longevity in the Forbidden City have an almost doglike appearance, while the Ming-era sculptures in the complex bear a greater resemblance to lions.FunctionSymbolically, the male lion protects the imperial palace an