The Iconic Lion of St. Mark’s Square May Be from 8th-Century China!

A recent study has revealed that the renowned bronze-winged lion in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square may have its origins in 8th-century China. This discovery was made by a team of experts from the University of Padua, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and the International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies (Ismeo). By analysing the statue’s metal composition, they found that a significant portion of the bronze used to craft the lion came from the lower Yangtze River region in China, dating it back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).

The lion, a symbol of Venice and St. Mark the Evangelist, likely made its way west via the ancient Silk Road, a trade route connecting China to Europe. It may have passed through various countries, such as India, Afghanistan, and Iran, before reaching Venice—possibly in parts—where it was later reassembled and altered to fit the traditional image of a Venetian lion.

Photo Credit: Carlo Naya, self scanned

Uncovering the Chinese Origins of Venice’s Iconic Lion

Isotopic analysis of the bronze provided clear evidence that the materials used in the statue were sourced from China. This finding was announced on 11 September 2024, during a conference on Marco Polo, held as part of Venice’s celebrations to mark the 700th anniversary of the merchant’s death. Scholars have long debated the lion’s origins, with some suggesting it was made in Anatolia during the Hellenistic period. However, this new analysis points definitively to China.

In addition to the metallurgical findings, researchers also studied the lion’s design features and found striking similarities to zhenmushou—guardian figures typical of the Tang Dynasty that were placed at tombs to ward off evil spirits. Key characteristics, such as the lion’s wide nostrils, prominent canines, and remnants of horns or antlers, are common in zhenmushou sculptures. Although the ears on the Venetian lion were modified to resemble those of a typical lion, the design elements strongly suggest a Chinese origin.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang Moroder

A Journey Along the Silk Road

While there is no definitive historical record of when or how the lion arrived in Venice, it was already placed atop its column in St. Mark’s Square by the time Marco Polo returned from his travels in China in 1295. Some historians speculate that Marco Polo’s father and uncle may have brought the lion to Venice after visiting the Mongol court in the mid-13th century. However, it is equally possible the lion arrived even earlier, during a time of thriving trade along the Silk Road.

Interestingly, the first known reference to the lion dates back to 1293, but its exact journey to Venice remains a mystery. Over the centuries, the statue has undergone several restorations, including one after Napoleon looted it in the 1790s and transported it to Paris. The lion was damaged during its return to Venice in 1815, after which the sculptor Bartolomeo Ferrari restored the statue, adding features like the lead book beneath its paws, while keeping most of its original structure intact.

A Symbol of East-West Cultural Exchange

The lion’s Chinese origins highlight the significant cultural and economic exchanges between the East and West, particularly through the Silk Road. According to the researchers from the University of Padua and Ca’ Foscari University, the lion’s journey illustrates the far-reaching impact of the Silk Road, which connected Eastern Eurasia to Venice and the broader Mediterranean world. While the lion is now an iconic symbol of Venice, it also stands as a testament to centuries-old connections between distant parts of the globe.