Early- Mid 20thC Burmese (Myanmar) Gilt Wood Guardian Lion (Foo Dog), “Chinthe”

Description

Guardian lions are symbolic, protective statues, and they are designed in pairs — one is female, the other is male. The female statue protects the people dwelling inside the home, while the male statue protects the structure itself.
Larger versions of ‘chinthe’ guardian lions are positioned in pairs to the left and right of the entrances to temples, pagodas and smaller shrines across Burma. Chinthe generally have a lion’s body and a lion’s head with an open mouth and fangs. They exist in larger sizes made of stone or of plastered brickwork, and in smaller sizes made of bronze, wood, such as the present one, or of other materials. Small chinthes are also used as good luck amulets for personal success in daily life. In addition, the chinthe guardian lion is used in the old Burmese calendar as the symbolic animal for the third day of the week (Tuesday).
The present chinthe guardian lion probably originates form a domestic altar. It is carved from a single piece of hard wood (probably teak). All the exterior surfaces are richly decorated with detailed thayo relief with white and green mirrored plaques, underpainted with red lacquer and topped with gold leaf.
Highly decorative object without damage.
Age: Early to Mid 20th Century
Art Medium: Hardwood, Glass, Mirror, Paint
Condition: Missing a few of the jewel mirrors, otherwise excellent.
Measurements: 12” (30cm) H x 3"(7.5cm) x 7” (17.5cm)