Lion Fittings for a Throne
18th century
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
12.9 × 22.0 × 11.4 cm; 13.1 × 22.2 × 10.2 cm
Classification
silver
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
65866
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
These silver lion fittings from the 18th century were crafted to embellish a throne, elevating an everyday seat into a powerful of authority and protection. roughly 13 by 22 by 11 centimeters each, the paired pieces reflect the careful artistry of unknown Asian metalworkers who shaped the lions’ fierce expressions and flowing manes in gleaming silver. Lions have long symbolized strength, guardianship, and royal prestige across many Asian cultures, making them fitting companions for a ruler’s seat. Silver, prized for its luminous quality and ability to hold fine detail, was often chosen for such high-status objects, underscoring the throne’s ceremonial importance. Now part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Arts of Asia collection, these fittings invite visitors to imagine the grandeur of an 18th-century court, where every detail reinforced the sovereign’s majesty.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...