19th - 20th century

Temple Lion (Chinthe)

Mythical lions such as this one and its pair often flank the entrances of pagodas and temples throughout Burma. Though sometimes mistaken for dragons or some hybrid creature, chinthe are in fact Buddhist lions that serve the same function as the more playful versions from Japan and China. Their imposing appearance was probably inspired by native Burmese mythology and artistic tradition, which played an important role in the development of Buddhist art in that country.