In Thailand, this style of lion can be found on many types of religious architecture. It is used to ornament the bases upon which Buddha images are placed, in addition to doors of temples. If you study Thai ornament, you will find that many of the motifs, as this one, are based on the shape of the lotus flower.

The light colored pieces are carved from basswood, while the brown one is mahogany. Smaller pieces are about 6.5" high by 4" wide. Larger pieces are about 9" by 5.25". They are intended to be hung on the wall, and have a hole drilled partway in from the back to accept a nail and allow them to hang flush. All are finished with oil and wax.