This photo shows an impressive statue of a lion, carved from marbled stone in shades of bluish-grey and gold. Placed on a richly decorated plinth, it seems to stand proudly over the entrance to a traditional Vietnamese temple, probably the Van Duc pagoda in Hoi An. Behind the lion, you can see the curved red roofs typical of Vietnamese vernacular architecture, as well as a portal decorated with brick motifs and gilded statues.
The lion, a symbol of strength, protection and power in many Asian cultures, has its place here in the spiritual world of the pagoda. It marks the entrance to the sacred domain, ready to ward off evil spirits. His fixed gaze and proud stance contrast with the gentle vegetation of the surrounding bushes and trees.
The whole setting evokes an atmosphere that is both solemn and peaceful. Nature, spirituality and traditional art meet here in a scene where each element seems to be in its rightful place. A fine illustration of the symbolic role played by statues in South-East Asian places of worship.
Passionate about photography, I travel the world in search of the most beautiful shots.
Currently in Thailand..
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