台北關渡宮_公石獅(1782)

sketchfab

Taipei's Guandu Temple is home to the main deity, Saint Mother of Heaven, which was established during the Ming Zheng period. It has undergone renovations in 1712, 1782, and 1823. The pair of stone lions currently placed on both sides of the temple's grand hall were donated by students from Anxiu. However, the front limbs of the mother lion and the hind legs of the cubs are damaged, despite being repaired, the craftsmanship is poor, and it's impossible to determine the original intention, resulting in an awkward and twisted posture that ruins the overall design and harmony. On the other hand, the stone lions' broad faces with deep contours, wide shoulders, full chests, and narrow waists all demonstrate grandeur. Even the ropes holding bells are carved in three dimensions, contrasting greatly with recent designs that only use lines to suggest them. The muscles, fur, and sashes were all carefully crafted, allowing for both close examination and distant viewing, making it a truly exceptional work of art.