by 
The Curious Bag
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The artifacts and works of art in Beijing's Forbidden City, the imperial palace of Chinese emperors for more than 400 years, include statues of guardian lions. They stand at the entrance of the Forbidden City's Palace of Tranquil Longevity and were believed to have protective powers.
Identification
The imperial guardian lions, as the statues are known, are usually shown in pairs: one male lion and one female. These lions can also be seen at the entrances of temples, restaurants, hotels and other buildings in Chinese communities.
Features
The male guardian lion has a sphere that symbolizes the earth under its paw, while the female protects a cub. Their mouths are open in a roar, with fierce faces intended to frighten evil spirits.
Types
The Qing-era lions at the Palace of Tranquil Longevity in the Forbidden City have an almost doglike appearance, while the Ming-era sculptures in the complex bear a greater resemblance to lions.
Function
Symbolically, the male lion protects the imperial palace and temples of the Forbidden City, while the female protects those within these structures.
History
Guardian lions originated more than 2,000 years ago in the Han Dynasty of ancient China. The guardian lions in the Forbidden City date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) and the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty (1644 to 1912).
Source:
Resource:
Forbidden City: a Virtual Tour
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