2 Rare Chinese Marble Foo Dog Guardian Fu Lion Temple Garden Statues 41"

Description

Two monumental antique Chinese Foo Dogs, circa mid 20th century. Made of white marble featuring meticulously carved detail. Each Guardian is set over a large plinth base with inverted gadrooning in the manner of repeating ball and claw feet centered by triangular sheilds with geometric floral motif.

Provenance; Private Collection, Large South Carolina Estate.

Delivery includes off-loading at threshold.

Known as Chinese guardian lions, imperial guardian lions, stone lions, shishi, lion dogs or foo / fu dogs. The female represents yin, and symbolically protects the people dwelling inside the home, while the male statue, representing yang, protects the structure itself. The male is recognized as the one resting his paw on the ball, which represents the world, and the female is shown with one paw on a cub.

Fu dog statues can be found in China flanking the entrances and gates to palaces, official buildings, temples, homes, and even tombs. These guard dogs keep watch and were historically placed to ward off any negative energies.

Condition

Good condition, wear and distressing commensurate with age and use, edge wear at base. Some hairlines / natural imperfections to stone.

Dimensions

41" h x 22.5" d x 15" w