Guardian lions made their appearance in China during the Han Dynasty around 206 BC. The Shi (lion) evolved as the protector of temples and the buildings of royalty, government and wealthy homes. They are typically in pairs. The female in the background has her paw on a cub representing nature. In the foreground is the male. The orb beneath his foot symbolizes world supremacy. These replicas stand in front of a pagoda in the China Pavilion.
