Large pair of bronze Singha guardian lions (88 cm)

Imposing pair of “Singha” temple guardian lions in bronze, Thailand, early 20th century.

• H 88 CM X D 50 CM X W 48 CM. Approx. 70 kg per pair.
• Sold as an inseparable pair.
• Provenance: Estate of the dealer and collector Claude de Marteau.
• Sold with certificate of origin
• Find out more about the life and works of Claude de Marteau? https://www.thecdmcollection.be/

The Singha lions, guardians of Thailand’s Buddhist temples

This large pair of Singha guardian lions in bronze comes from the Claude de Marteau Collection, where it was found among a major group of sculptures and works of art from Southeast Asia assembled by the collector over several decades. Intended for a Buddhist temple, these guardians did not serve a purely decorative purpose. They symbolically protected sacred places, watching over worshippers, monks, and the Buddha statues kept within the sanctuary grounds.

The name Singha derives from the Sanskrit Siṃha, “lion”. Introduced to Thailand with religious traditions from India, this mythical creature became one of the great symbols of protection in Buddhist art. Its equivalent in Myanmar is the Chinthe, another guardian lion found at the entrance to pagodas and monasteries. Although their forms differ according to artistic traditions, Singha and Chinthe fulfil the same protective role for places of worship and Buddha statues.

Bronze Singha from Claude de Marteau’s basement.

Two imposing temple guardian lion statues were also in Claude de Marteau’s garden.

Guardians inseparable from religious architecture

Singha are almost always depicted in pairs. Placed at the foot of a staircase, in front of a monumental doorway, or near a Buddha statue, they mark the passage between the secular world and the sacred space. Their powerful silhouette, slightly open jaws, and stylised mane evoke less a real lion than a protective creature tasked with warding off harmful influences.

In the temples of Thailand, they occupy a place comparable to that of the Buddhist temple chofas, those large ridge ornaments that also watch over religious buildings. Some guard access to the sanctuary, others dominate its roofline, together forming a symbolic language in which each architectural element has a protective function.

A monumental sculpture of Thai art

Large bronze Singha guardian lions are now among the most sought-after sculptures in the ancient art of Thailand. Their majestic presence, casting quality, and rich symbolism explain their appeal to Asian art collectors. More than a simple guardian statue, this pair bears witness to the refinement of Thai workshops and the essential place that the protection of Buddhist temples held in traditional iconography.