The grey limestone sculpture dating from the Northern Wei dynasty was damaged during a fire that broke out while it was being moved from Turin to Rome. The pieces were reassembled, with repairs inserted in a neutral colour.
The animal rests on its back legs, its jaws open wide towards the beholder. The sculptor wanted above all to create a fearful image and therefore the animal’s musculature and its movement appear stylized, while the ferocity of the head is accentuated.
Like all ancient oriental sculpture it had a ritual function. Large figures of animals guarded the tombs of princes and were placed in pairs along the “Spirit Path” leading to the entrance to the burial place.
Leone accucciato
Crouching lion
Sculpture
6th century AD
5th century AD
4th century AD
Figurative

Date
AD 386 – 534
Material and technique
Grey limestone
Measurements
112 x 51 x 78 cm
Compiler
Augusta Monferini