Our three color (“san cai”) lion is in the tradition of Tang dynasty ceramics, but was made in the Qing dynasty in about 1800. This is a one of a kind piece that measures 27” high by 16” wide. It is from Shan Xi province and probably guarded a Taoist shrine there. The lion carries a gourd on its back. Such gourds were said to carry the mystical vapors of the Taoist.