This carved bamboo root depicts an adult lion squatting with his head twisted round to look over his shoulder. The lion has bushy eyebrows, a large nose, bright eyes, a smile that shows his teeth, a flattish head, and a powerful body. A young lion rests up against him, creating the auspicious image of “Adult Lion and Young Lion.” While this piece appears at first glance to be only a bamboo root carving, it has been carefully designed so that, if the lions are turned upside down, the big lion’s flat head can serve as a base, and the hollowed out portion of the underside can be used as a container for liquids; this is in fact a practical, stylish cup. Examining this item prompts the viewer to think how different things can seem when seen in a different light.

H: 10 cm