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A pair of lion guards outside a Chinese restaurant in South London. The brass lions, also called Shishi in Chinese, are often found in pairs in front of the gates of Chinese traditional buildings. Chinese guardian lions, known also as stone lions in Chinese art, are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China. They are believed to have powerful mythic protective powers that has traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Pairs of guardian lions are still common decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures.

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chinese_doors01-29-09-2010.jpg
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© Richard Baker. No copying, screen grabbing, transmission or publication without permission.
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4138x2758 / 2.0MB
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doors entrance exit lions protective protection rings lion Shishi Chinese traditional tradition guarding frontage building symbol divine animal foo fu gate mythical guardian front brass knockers handles symbolism
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A pair of lion guards outside a Chinese restaurant in South London. The brass lions, also called Shishi in Chinese, are often found in pairs in front of the gates of Chinese traditional buildings. Chinese guardian lions, known also as stone lions in Chinese art, are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China. They are believed to have powerful mythic protective powers that has traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Pairs of guardian lions are still common decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures.
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