Snow Lion Supporting a Throne (Detail from a Thangka)

The snow lion is painted in a vibrant white against a deep red background. Its mane, ears, and tail are rendered in a thick, curly, dark green, and its facial features include distinct eyes with golden irises and a small pink muzzle. The creature is posed in a semi-crouching stance, with its forepaws pressed upward against a horizontal gold-bordered ledge, serving as a caryatid-like support figure commonly found at the base of sacred seats in Tibetan iconography.

The Snow Lion is a protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism and a national symbol of Tibet, frequently depicted as a throne-bearer for high lamas and deities such as Vajradhara or Manjushri. This specific posture signifies the lion's role as a guardian of the Dharma and its support for enlightened wisdom.