Chinese Guardian Lion Stone Sculpture 

  • In ancient times this sculpture was made from an expensive decorative stone hand sculpted (using hammer and nail like tools) and smoothed over with the details of the lions features and details ingrained in afterwards. Modern day electronically powered tools have given sculptors easier ways of recreating these designs as well as mass marketing cheaper versions most likely the one seen in the ANZ bank window.
  • The lion represents authority, strength and power acting as guardians for palaces, tombs and temples. Wealthy families commonly had them in ancient times. In modern day they have become a popular decoration for houses and tourist attractions still upholding their meaning of protection for the owners.
  • Different designs alter the meaning the lion represents, male lions will usually be seen with their mouths wide open to scare off intruders with a ball underneath their paw to represent the earth, females are often seen with a cub under their paw to signify protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arches Entrance to China Town

  • The base of the arch is made from engraved cement showing oriental styled clouds, from that cement pillars rise with the top displaying wood painted an array of bright colours to welcome visitors. Red stripes were painted up the sides of the pillars to modernise the design.
  • The particular narrow archways that decorate Chinatown aren’t commonly seen in Chinese culture but rather in Japanese culture, this style of welcoming has been added by the city of Melbourne to make Chinatown look visually appealing for tourists.
  • The golden Chinese characters painted on the archway sign read “Forever Moon”.