Lion-shaped Incense Burner Cover

This lion-shaped incense burner cover, recovered from Wolji, was elaborately carved from a single piece of agalmatolite. A lit incense stick could be inserted into a hole in the bottom, so that the smoke would emanate from the lion’s mouth, nose, and ears. The lion faces forwards, sitting back on its hind legs, fully erect with its claws dug firmly into the ground. Its mane extends from the top of the head down the entire length of its back, and is portrayed with exquisite symmetry and fine detail. The black eyeballs and snarling mouth are exceptionally lifelike. This work is regarded as the most elaborate of the lion statues from the nified Silla Period.