The Forbidden City, Beijing

A guardian lion statue. Throughout Chinese culture, these lions are placed at building entrances for protection against bad spirits and to bring good luck. They come in pairs — the male holds an ornamented ball - a royal orb - under his paw, while the female has a cub under hers. This is the female lion, symbolising nurture, fertility, and the cycle of life. It represents the continuation of the family line and prosperity for future generations.