Jade figure of "Lioness with a cub", Han Dynasty

A white jade figure in the shape of a mythological animal. The jade shows patina due to age. It depicts a lioness with her cub, which is looking down at her. The representation of elements such as paws, hair, faces and claws are in relief. Each one has a hole in its mouth for the insertion of some kind of cord. It can also be tied to the animal's crest, which is fused to the back.

The meaning is related to the idiom "望子成龙" (Hope that your child will become a dragon) which describes the feeling of hoping or wishing and raising a child to become an outstanding person.

Size: 3.9 x 2.5 x 7 cm; Weight: 65 g