The Chinese guardian lion is an architectural motif with an extended heritage. For hundreds of years, sculptures of lions, usually in stone or metal, have been placed at the thresholds of buildings. Traditionally, because of the expense the materials and labour required to create such objects, they were found in front of important or high-ranking locations, such as temples, palaces, government offices, or the homes of wealthy individuals. As guardians, they are thought to protect the structures and their inhabitants from both harmful individuals and negative spiritual energy. They often appear flanking entrances in pairs, one female individual and one male, representing the yin and yang. The male is usually on the right, and rests one of his front paws upon an embroidered ball. This has been seen to represent imperial supremacy over the world, but in other contexts has connotations of affection and friendship, as embroidered balls were traditionally given as gifts. He is seen as the protector of the physical structure itself. The female, usually positioned on the left, often has her paw upon a cub, symbolising nurture. She is thought of as the protector of the interior of the building, and the inhabitants within.

Although this motif is very common, each instance allows for the sculptor to show individuality in the way they choose to depict the animal. This fearsome lion sits atop a soapstone column. Its mane is made up of protruding curls of hair, and carved lines across the surface of its skin convey the texture of its fur. Its facial expression is fierce, with emphasis placed on its broad mouth and wide-set protuberant eyes. This lion has a ferocious character, sending out a warning to any person or spirit approaching with harmful intentions. The top of the column, directly under the lion’s feet, has been carved into a platform for it to rest on, with a downwards triangle motif. The way that it is crouched, with its front paws placed firmly on the edge of the platform and its back legs curled underneath its body, gives the impression that it is ready at any moment to spring into action, and carry out its protective duty.