What am I?

My mother currently has this lovely antique chair. It has been in the family for many years. It was always known/referred to as the "lion chair". It was a piece of furniture that was 'to look at', but never to be sat on. So for years, it has just been "dusted" once a week, but other than that, left alone to be a beautiful piece to look at. We still have no idea about the maker, age, etc. Any advice, and/or information would be lovely.