This is a bronze sculpture of a "Foo Dog" which are Chinese guardian lions, known also as Imperial guardian lions. They are believed to have powerful mystic protective powers and 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, a manifestation of yin and yang ( the female representing yin and the male yang), are still common decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures, with one sitting on each side of the entrance. This handmade bronze sculpture was cast using the ancient method of lost-wax casting and stained with a brown patina finish for preservation. It is mounted upon a black variegated marble base