2 Rare Antique Chinese Marble Foo Dog Guardian Lion Fu Temple Garden Statues 44"

Description

Two monumental antique Chines Chinese foo dogs, circa last quarter 19th century. Made of white marble featuring meticulously carved detail.

Provenance; Private Collection where acquired by the previous owner from an important New York estate in the early 1980’s.

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 antique condition, wear and distressing commensurate with age and use, edge wear at base.

Dimensions

44"h x 26" x 17.5"