Hand Carved Exotic retailer Hardwood Lion

This heavy hand carved lion is stunning. He retailer looks as if he's from the far east, perhaps Ceylon, but I can't be sure. He is very heavy and I use the term 'exotic' to describe the hardwood as it is extraordinarily beautiful and I have been unable to identify it as yet.

It has a great deal of age and a few wounds as a result. He is missing some teeth, part of his right front paw, and all of his claws, but in my opinion this adds to his charm rather than detracts.

He measures 10" long x 5" tall x 3 1/2" at his widest point.

A beautiful piece of ethnic art.