Vintage Indian Four Lion Bone Carving | Circa 20th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: India
Material: Hand-carved pale organic material, likely bone, mounted on an ebonized wood base
Period: 20th Century, circa 1925–1975
Description
This finely carved Indian miniature sculpture depicts the Lion Capital of Ashoka, based on the monumental Mauryan capital created at Sarnath during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
Four Asiatic lions stand back-to-back at the summit, facing outward in the four cardinal directions. Each lion is individually articulated with an open mouth, pronounced muzzle, flowing mane, firmly planted legs, and carved paws. The freestanding composition allows the sculpture to be appreciated from every side.
Beneath the lions is a circular abacus decorated with carved wheels resembling the Ashoka Chakra and additional animal motifs derived from Ashokan pillar imagery. The repeated wheel represents the dharmachakra, or Wheel of Dharma, an important Buddhist symbol associated with the teachings of the Buddha.
The sculpture is carved from a pale organic material, likely bone, although its precise composition has not been independently tested. It is mounted on a three-tiered ebonized wood pedestal, creating a strong contrast between the pale carving and dark base.
Features
- Four lions arranged back-to-back and facing outward
- Individually carved faces, manes, legs, and paws
- Circular abacus with Ashoka Chakra wheel motifs
- Additional carved animal imagery around the base
- Hand-carved pale organic material, likely bone
- Three-tiered ebonized wood display pedestal
- Freestanding composition designed for viewing from all sides
- Based on the Mauryan Lion Capital created at Sarnath circa 250 BCE
Cultural Significance
The original Lion Capital was commissioned during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, one of the most influential rulers of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka erected monumental pillars throughout his territories bearing inscriptions and Buddhist imagery intended to communicate principles of governance, morality, and dharma.
The four lions of the Sarnath capital have come to symbolize authority, courage, confidence, and dignity. The wheels incorporated into the composition represent the dharmachakra, or Wheel of Dharma.
The Sarnath Lion Capital was adopted as the State Emblem of India, while the Ashoka Chakra appears at the centre of the national flag. Later interpretations such as this miniature reflect the enduring cultural and national importance of Ashoka’s artistic legacy.
Condition
Good vintage condition with age-related surface wear, minor discoloration, small marks, and natural variation throughout the carved material. Minor losses and softened details may be present. The four-lion composition remains clearly defined, while the tiered wooden pedestal displays light wear consistent with handling and display.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.25 in
Diameter: 2 in
Age (Approximate)
50–100 years old
Provenance
Formerly held in a private collection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Learn More
Discover the history and symbolism of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath through Smarthistory.
Explore our Collection of Statues, Figures & Carvings
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: India
Material: Hand-carved pale organic material, likely bone, mounted on an ebonized wood base
Period: 20th Century, circa 1925–1975
Description
This finely carved Indian miniature sculpture depicts the Lion Capital of Ashoka, based on the monumental Mauryan capital created at Sarnath during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
Four Asiatic lions stand back-to-back at the summit, facing outward in the four cardinal directions. Each lion is individually articulated with an open mouth, pronounced muzzle, flowing mane, firmly planted legs, and carved paws. The freestanding composition allows the sculpture to be appreciated from every side.
Beneath the lions is a circular abacus decorated with carved wheels resembling the Ashoka Chakra and additional animal motifs derived from Ashokan pillar imagery. The repeated wheel represents the dharmachakra, or Wheel of Dharma, an important Buddhist symbol associated with the teachings of the Buddha.
The sculpture is carved from a pale organic material, likely bone, although its precise composition has not been independently tested. It is mounted on a three-tiered ebonized wood pedestal, creating a strong contrast between the pale carving and dark base.
Features
- Four lions arranged back-to-back and facing outward
- Individually carved faces, manes, legs, and paws
- Circular abacus with Ashoka Chakra wheel motifs
- Additional carved animal imagery around the base
- Hand-carved pale organic material, likely bone
- Three-tiered ebonized wood display pedestal
- Freestanding composition designed for viewing from all sides
- Based on the Mauryan Lion Capital created at Sarnath circa 250 BCE
Cultural Significance
The original Lion Capital was commissioned during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, one of the most influential rulers of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka erected monumental pillars throughout his territories bearing inscriptions and Buddhist imagery intended to communicate principles of governance, morality, and dharma.
The four lions of the Sarnath capital have come to symbolize authority, courage, confidence, and dignity. The wheels incorporated into the composition represent the dharmachakra, or Wheel of Dharma.
The Sarnath Lion Capital was adopted as the State Emblem of India, while the Ashoka Chakra appears at the centre of the national flag. Later interpretations such as this miniature reflect the enduring cultural and national importance of Ashoka’s artistic legacy.
Condition
Good vintage condition with age-related surface wear, minor discoloration, small marks, and natural variation throughout the carved material. Minor losses and softened details may be present. The four-lion composition remains clearly defined, while the tiered wooden pedestal displays light wear consistent with handling and display.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.25 in
Diameter: 2 in
Age (Approximate)
50–100 years old
Provenance
Formerly held in a private collection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Learn More
Discover the history and symbolism of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath through Smarthistory.
Explore our Collection of Statues, Figures & Carvings
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