Plaque
Tibet
Wood, mineral pigment
15th to 16th century
20" (51 cm) wide by 11.5" (29.2 cm) high

This wood plaque would have been part of the base of a buddha or stupa and was likely removed by the Tibetans when the Chinese were destroying their cultural artifacts. It was probably used face down as a cutting board to keep it out of sight, as is evident in the photo below. It's unusual to depict a malevolent lion running with bared fangs while holding the pearls of wisdom.
#4014

POR