The imperial guardian lion is a special type of statue that is often seen in Asian countries like China and Japan. They are called "guardian lions" because they are meant to protect important places like temples, palaces, or even people's homes.
These statues look like big, furry lions, but they usually come in pairs: one male and one female. The male lion is usually depicted with a ball under his paw, while the female lion has a cub under her paw.
The statues are often made out of stone or bronze, and they are very heavy! Some of them are even painted different colors, like red or gold, to make them look even more special.
People believe that these statues can actually protect the places where they are located. They are placed outside of buildings to scare away evil spirits and protect those inside. Many people even rub or touch the statues for good luck or protection.
Overall, the imperial guardian lion is a very important symbol in many Asian cultures, representing power, strength, and protection.