Chinese Lions (Japan, 1500's CE)
These two works of art were created thousands of years apart. The Assyrians who carved the Lamassu lacked all of the modernity of the Japanese who painted the Lions. Yet, these images attest to the fact that regardless of the time or place, humans still desire to represent themselves with animalistic images of power. The Lamassu, half men, half beasts, stood guard outside of Sargon II's palace to ward off his enemies. And the Chinese Lions, painted by Kano Eitoku, were also mythical beasts, and ones that symbolized power and bravery. They were created for the warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. For powerful, militant humans, something more than a human form is needed to convey the strong image they wish to impart on their followers and enemies. |
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