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Plaque

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Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund.
Contact us at copyright@samuseum.org for rights and reproduction of this image.

• Images(3)

Plaque

DepartmentAsian Art

CultureLiao, Khitan

Date10th century

MediumGilt bronze

Dimensions8 1/4 × 4 5/8 in. (21 × 11.7 cm)

Credit LineSan Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund

Object number2021.1.2

Geography

Place madeChina, Asia

DescriptionThe figure of a rampant lion is hammered in low relief on a thin, rectangular plaque. The forelimbs are splayed and the heavily clawed fleshy paws opened to reveal pads in the form of lotus pods. The lion is balanced on a single muscular leg while the other is thrust forward. The broad chest rises and expands from a slender waist and belly. The tail flares in the back like a triple flame mirroring the smaller clumps of hair streaming from the crooks of the legs. The pelt is indicated by rows of striations and dotted circlets ahd-"Y" formations like spots on a pelt. A fringe of scalloped fur lines the belly and chest, losing itself in the lion's flamboyant mane which sweeps under the chin and above the head where two horns emerge. The massive head is twisted rearward, with mouth agape, flashing sharp fangs and a long tongue. The snout curls above and the eye bulges and strains under a fringed brow. A floating pearl trails flames above the lion :Vhile below the scudding clouds also assume a flame-like appearance. These motifs are raised in a lively, richly varied relief against a background of etched fronds scrolling on a ring-punch surface, all within a raised "pearl" border and an outer frame of undulating ring-punched lines. Pairs of holes are pierced along the border at regular intervals for attachment.Label TextPlaque China Liao dynasty (907–1125) Gilt bronze Purchased with the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund 2021.1.2 This plaque attests the excellence of metal craftsmanship from the Liao empire. A mythical beast stands on its hind legs and spreads its front paws to catch a flaming pearl. The beast twists its head to the left with a gaping mouth, his eyes intensely focused on the pearl. The flamboyant mane, broad chest, and flashing sharp fangs all suggest the beast’s divine energy. The beast and surrounding clouds are rendered in repousse against a chased floral background. The beast and the flaming pearl originated from Buddhism, a religion heavily patronized by the Liao elite.ProvenanceKaikodo acquired in Hong Kong in 1990s.Published ReferencesKaikodo Journal v (Autumn 1997), no. 68

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The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.