http://www.shuttertalk.com/forums/images/upload/bronzeSM.jpg

Fun stature pic! Not sure it is a lion. This looks like one of those period creatures from Chinese mythology that I never remember which is which. The five toes are a clue. Now I'll have to see dig out that references :)

There's real loss of detail in the shadows. Generally it appears as if the image has too much compression from resizing or the camera stepping on it with quality adjustment.

Were there a pair? Seems like these often flank an entryway.

Thanks for sharing.