From the travelling collection of
The Mystical Caravan
The Reliquary · Cabinet Catalogue
Danger level
Item R–3010–119The Lion That Guarded the Wrong Door
A red-and-gold guardian lion commissioned to keep wickedness outside, but determined to confront dishonesty within its own household.
- Classification
- Ethical household guardian
- Origin
- A prosperous trading city in China
- Estimated date
- Unknown
- Collection status
- On display
- Materials
- Carved and painted material; red and gold finish
- Condition
- Intact; eyes, head, and position may change
The Curator’s record
A growl is regarded as a warning to examine one's conduct, not evidence that the guardian is defective.
Provenance
Merchant Jian commissioned the lion to protect his possessions. It drove away a thief and exposed a dishonest supplier, then turned its judgment upon Jian's own exploitation until he repaid those he had wronged.
Observed activity
The lion growls at wrongdoing, flashes its eyes, turns toward an offender, obstructs dishonest movement through doors, and may relocate closer to the source of misconduct.
The Tale of this object
The Lion That Guarded the Wrong Door
Season 3 · Episode 05In tonight’s story, we travel to old China, where a wealthy merchant places a guardian lion at his door to keep misfortune away. Unfortunately for him, the lion soon discovers that not every danger comes from outside.
Enter the Tale